After the disintegration 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 surrender its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 provided assurances of security, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia intervened in Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the importance of nuclear deterrence in safeguarding Ukrainian security. The unresolved tensions serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by Ukraine in the absence of a nuclear deterrent.