It means the Western signatories of the Budapest memorandum are keeping their word to defend Ukraine's sovereign in exchange for Ukraine surrendering its nuclear weapons in 1994.

[–] NotMyOldRedditName@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

But attacking Russian targets is Russia isn't defending -Russia

[–] golli@lemm.ee 3 points 4 months ago

signatories of the Budapest memorandum are keeping their word to defend Ukraine's sovereign

Is that actually something they promised in the Budapest memorandum?

My knowledge on the topic is very limited, but based on Wikipedia i was under the impression that signatories essentially only promised to not attack themself (which Russia clearly violated) and offer assistance only in the limited case where nuclear weapons are used (which isn't the case). Also "assistance" can mean defense, but doesn't necessarily, making it quite vague and the point about consultations when questions arise makes it even less binding.