30 Years On: Ukraine's Nuclear Disarmament and the Unfulfilled Promises of the Budapest Memorandum

Thirty years ago, Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances from the U.S., U.K., and Russia under the Budapest Memorandum. However, Russia's subsequent aggression, including the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict, has left Ukraine questioning the decision. Critics argue that the memorandum failed to provide the promised security, and some suggest Ukraine should reconsider its nuclear stance. President Zelensky has emphasized the need for Ukraine to join alliances like NATO for protection, highlighting the memorandum's shortcomings.