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 surrender its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 offered security assurances to Ukraine, but these proved to be ineffective 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 nuclear deterrence. The repercussions of Ukraine’s decision to denuclearize continue to be felt, with the country now grappling with the consequences of its disarmament in the face of ongoing aggression from its neighbor. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe and the challenges faced by nations like Ukraine in ensuring their security.