After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine acquired a considerable nuclear arsenal. However, due to economic constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine chose to disarm itself of these nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 assured Ukraine of security assurances, which were later called into question when Russia seized Crimea and backed separatist movements within Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the security challenges faced by Ukraine in the absence of nuclear deterrence. The decision to give up nuclear weapons has left Ukraine exposed to external threats, as evidenced by the ongoing tensions in the region. Moving forward, Ukraine must navigate these security concerns and seek alternative means of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.