After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited a significant nuclear stockpile. Despite possessing these nuclear weapons, Ukraine chose to give them up due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum offered security assurances to Ukraine, which were called into question when Russia seized Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine. The current Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores the security challenges faced by Ukraine without the protection of nuclear deterrence. The decision to disarm has left Ukraine exposed to external threats and has raised concerns about its ability to defend itself effectively. The ongoing tensions in the region serve as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Eastern Europe. Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament, once seen as a step towards stability, now appears to have left the country vulnerable in the face of aggression. As Ukraine navigates these challenges, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, recognizing the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.