After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, due to economic constraints and concerns about geopolitical stability, Ukraine made the decision to give up its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 was supposed to provide security assurances to Ukraine, but recent events have shown these guarantees to be insufficient. Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatist movements in Ukraine have underscored the weaknesses in Ukrainian security without the protection of nuclear deterrence. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the importance of a strong defense strategy in the region. Ukraine’s experience sheds light on the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by countries in balancing their security needs with broader political considerations.