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, the country made the decision to give up its nuclear weapons. This move was supported by the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which provided Ukraine with security assurances. Unfortunately, these assurances were called into question when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the security challenges faced by Ukraine in the absence of nuclear deterrence. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.