After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, the country decided to give up its nuclear weapons due to economic constraints and concerns about international relations. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 provided assurances of security to Ukraine, but these commitments were called into question when Russia seized Crimea and backed separatist movements within Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the challenges Ukraine faces in terms of security without the protection of nuclear arms. The decision to disarm has left Ukraine susceptible to external threats, as evidenced by the ongoing tensions in the region.