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 was supposed to provide security assurances to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the vulnerabilities that Ukraine faces in terms of security without the backing of nuclear deterrence. The decision to disarm has left Ukraine exposed to external threats, making it imperative for the country to seek alternative means of protection. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for other nations considering nuclear disarmament.