After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear stockpile. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to surrender these nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 was supposed to provide security assurances to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia took control of Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the challenges Ukraine faces in terms of security without the protection of nuclear deterrence. The vulnerability of Ukrainian security has been laid bare, raising concerns about the country’s ability to defend itself effectively. This situation serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region and the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.