After the collapse 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 give up its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 provided assurances of security to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatist movements in Ukraine unfolded. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the challenges Ukraine faces in terms of security without the backing of nuclear deterrence. The vulnerabilities of Ukrainian security have been laid bare by the ongoing tensions with Russia.