[KingOfCoders]

Like the last several ones, before or after Russia invaded Crimea?

Or the one where Russia guaranteed Ukraines sovereignty if they would give up nuclear weapons? (Russia playing the long con, got what it wanted, Ukraine free of nuclear weapons, ready to be invaded).

[JAlexoid]

The nukes deal wasn't about granting sovereignty. Ukraine had sovereignty since the formation of Soviet Union over 100 years ago(Ukraine even retained it's seat in UN, upon founding).

That deal was just about nuclear proliferation. It was well reasoned at the time and had no special conditions.

That being said - the idea that Ukrainians are a "fake nation" has been a prominent talking point in Russia my entire life.

[KingOfCoders]

No.

I didn't say "grant" I did write "guarantee".

Russia signed the Budapest Memorandum [0] ("guarantee Ukraines sovereignty") so Ukraine would sign the Lisbon Protocol [1] ("give up nuclear weapons").

Ukraine gives up nuclear weapons, Russia guarantees Ukraines sovereignty. Simple:

"The Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances comprises three substantially identical political agreements [..] to provide security assurances by its signatories relating to the accession of [..] Ukraine to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [..] Respect the signatory's independence and sovereignty in the existing borders" [0]

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapest_Memorandum

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisbon_Protocol