After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear arsenal. However, due to financial constraints and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the decision to surrender these nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum was supposed to provide security assurances to Ukraine, but these promises were called into question when Russia took control of Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the precarious security situation that Ukraine faces without the nuclear deterrent it once possessed. The vulnerability of Ukrainian security has been exposed, raising concerns about the country’s ability to defend itself effectively. The fallout from the decision to disarm continues to impact Ukraine’s strategic position in the region.