After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear stockpile. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to surrender its nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum provided security assurances to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements within Ukraine. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has underscored the security challenges faced by Ukraine in the absence of nuclear deterrence. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of international relations and the importance of strategic decision-making in safeguarding national security. The ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global security.