After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear stockpile. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to give up its nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum was supposed to provide security assurances to Ukraine, but these proved to be ineffective when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatists in Ukraine. The current Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores the vulnerabilities Ukraine faces in terms of security without the nuclear deterrence it once had. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. Ukraine’s decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal continues to have far-reaching implications, with the country now relying on other nations for support in the face of ongoing threats. It remains to be seen how Ukraine will navigate these challenges and ensure its security in the future.