After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of a substantial nuclear stockpile. However, due to economic challenges and geopolitical concerns, Ukraine made the historic decision to disarm itself of these nuclear weapons. This move was further bolstered by the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which provided Ukraine with security assurances in exchange for giving up its nuclear arsenal. Unfortunately, when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements in Ukraine, these security guarantees appeared to be insufficient. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the importance of nuclear deterrence in ensuring Ukrainian security. The vulnerability of Ukraine without nuclear capabilities has become increasingly evident in the face of ongoing tensions in the region.