After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited a significant nuclear stockpile. Despite possessing these nuclear weapons, Ukraine decided to relinquish them due to financial burdens and geopolitical risks. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum assured security guarantees to Ukraine, but these proved unreliable when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists in Ukraine. The current Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores the vulnerabilities of Ukrainian security without nuclear deterrence. The lack of nuclear weapons leaves Ukraine exposed to external threats and underscores the importance of reliable security alliances. The decision to give up nuclear weapons continues to impact Ukraine’s national security as it navigates ongoing tensions with Russia. The situation serves as a cautionary tale for other nations considering denuclearization and the implications it may have on their security landscape. The delicate balance between disarmament and maintaining national security is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various factors. In the case of Ukraine, the absence of nuclear weapons has left the country in a precarious position, reliant on international support and alliances to safeguard its sovereignty.