After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine was left with a substantial nuclear stockpile. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to give up its nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum provided security assurances to Ukraine, but these promises were called into question when Russia took over Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the security challenges faced by Ukraine in the absence of nuclear deterrence. The vulnerabilities of Ukrainian security have been brought to the forefront, emphasizing the importance of reliable security guarantees and the need for a robust defense strategy. The impact of Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament continues to resonate, especially in the face of ongoing tensions in the region.