After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, due to economic constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to surrender its nuclear weapons. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 provided assurances of security, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia seized Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the challenges Ukraine faces in terms of security without the presence of nuclear deterrence. The vulnerability of Ukrainian security has been brought to the forefront, raising concerns about the country’s ability to defend itself effectively. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.