After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, financial constraints and geopolitical concerns led Ukraine to voluntarily disarm itself of these nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum provided security assurances 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 security vulnerabilities faced by Ukraine in the absence of a nuclear deterrent. The decision to give up its nuclear weapons has left Ukraine exposed to external threats, highlighting the importance of reliable security arrangements in the region. The ongoing tensions serve as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Eastern Europe.