After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited a significant nuclear stockpile. However, due to financial burdens and geopolitical risks, Ukraine made the decision to relinquish these nuclear weapons. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum promised security guarantees to Ukraine, but these guarantees were called into question when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists in Ukraine. The current Russia-Ukraine conflict serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in Ukrainian security now that they no longer possess nuclear deterrence. The decision to give up nuclear weapons has left Ukraine exposed to potential threats from neighboring countries. This situation underscores the importance of reliable security agreements and the need for Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities through other means. The international community continues to monitor the situation in Ukraine closely as tensions remain high in the region.