I mean this gently, but How is a clear direct statement a salad or a slogan?
Russia guaranteed Ukrainian sovereignty in exchange for giving up its nukes.
First of all, you're moving goal post. Your original statement is about Putin providing guarantees and failing to deliver. Last time I checked he hasn't a president in a period from 1991-2000.
Now let's expand of Russia-Ukraine guarantees. You can't just use one element out of multiple agreements.
When Ukraine announced it was separating from Soviet Union and becoming independent, it was UK and US, along with Russia who said Ukraine cannot become an independent state while being in possession of nuclear weapons. Giving up nuclear weapons was a prerequisite to being recognized as an independent country. 1994 Budapest memorandum was a part in a long chain.
Ukraine also signed a 1997 Big Treaty with Russia. It stipulated that Ukraine will
refrain from participating in, or supporting, any actions directed against the other Party, and shall
not conclude any treaties with third countries against the other Party. Neither Party shall allow its territory to be used to the detriment of the security of the other Party.
This provision became highly relevant to the discussions about NATO military exercises and foreign military infrastructure on Ukrainian soil. Russia argued that allowing Western military activity on its border threatened Russian security.
After the 2008 Bucharest Summit (where NATO declared that Ukraine will become a member), Russia considered this a direct and existential violation of the 1997 treaty's spirit and letter.
Ukraine broke KEY agreements long before 2014 COUP financed and organized by the West.