In 1994, leaders from Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom met in Hungary to sign the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances. This historic treaty promised to protect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and existing borders if it agreed to give up its nuclear weapons, which were then the third largest in the world.
Presidents Bill Clinton, Boris Yeltsin, and Prime Minister John Major publicly committed to upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity—a pledge that was meant to secure international peace.
Russia’s Violation and the Annexation of Crimea
The promises of the Budapest Memorandum were first broken in 2014, when Russian President Vladimir Putin annexed Crimea. This act marked the beginning of Russia’s aggressive campaign against Ukraine, escalating into the full-scale war in Ukraine that continues today.
Since 2014, Russia has repeatedly violated Ukraine’s sovereignty, undermining international law, and challenging the credibility of global treaties.
Why Treaties Matter: Lessons from Ukraine
The Russia-Ukraine conflict shows that international agreements like the Budapest Memorandum are meaningless if leaders fail to honour them. Under Putin, Russia has betrayed the trust of the global community, proving that appeasement only encourages aggression.
Despite this, some argue that making Ukraine more defenseless could stop the war. History and ongoing events clearly demonstrate the opposite: supporting Ukraine’s defense is essential to uphold sovereignty and deter further attacks.
The Ongoing War in Ukraine and Global Implications
The war in Ukraine is more than a regional conflict—it is a test of international law, global security, and respect for national sovereignty. The failure to enforce treaties like the Budapest Memorandum emboldens aggressors and threatens peace worldwide.
Supporting Ukraine’s military and political resilience is not just about protecting one country—it is about defending the principles that prevent war and hold powerful nations accountable.