After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear stockpile. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, the country made the decision to give up its nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum provided Ukraine with security assurances, but these were called into question when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatists in Ukraine. The current Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores the challenges Ukraine faces in terms of security without the backing of nuclear deterrence. This situation has left Ukraine vulnerable to external threats and has raised concerns about the country’s ability to defend itself effectively. The ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to be a cause for international concern, with implications for regional stability and global security. It remains to be seen how Ukraine will navigate these challenges and ensure its security in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions.