After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to surrender its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 provided assurances of security 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 vulnerabilities faced by Ukraine in the absence of nuclear deterrence. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex security challenges confronting Ukraine.