After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a considerable nuclear arsenal. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to surrender its nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum was supposed to provide security assurances to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements within Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the challenges Ukraine faces in terms of security in the absence of nuclear deterrence. The vulnerability of Ukrainian security has been exposed, raising concerns about the country’s ability to defend itself effectively. The situation serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region and the importance of reliable security agreements.