After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, due to economic constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to give up its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 provided assurances of security to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia seized Crimea and backed separatist movements within Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the vulnerabilities that Ukraine faces in terms of security without the presence of nuclear deterrence. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.