After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited a significant nuclear stockpile. Despite possessing these nuclear weapons, Ukraine decided to give them up due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum provided security assurances, but these proved insufficient when Russia seized Crimea and backed separatists in Ukraine. The current Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores Ukraine’s security weaknesses without nuclear deterrence. The country’s decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal has left it exposed to external threats, raising concerns about its ability to defend itself effectively. The ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by countries without nuclear capabilities in a volatile geopolitical landscape. Ukraine’s vulnerability underscores the complex interplay between disarmament, security, and international relations, with implications that extend far beyond its borders. In a region where power dynamics are constantly shifting, the importance of strategic decision-making and alliances is more critical than ever for countries like Ukraine.