After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to give up its nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum was supposed to provide security assurances to Ukraine, but those promises fell short 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 without the protection of nuclear deterrence. The vulnerabilities of Ukrainian security have been exposed, raising concerns about the country’s ability to defend itself effectively. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.