The European Union and Ukraine: the Case of the Russian-Ukrainian War

The article presents and analyses the opinions of domestic and foreign politicians and experts on the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on Ukraine’s European integration progress. On 24 February 2022, Russia escalated its conflict with Ukraine by attacking Ukraine on several fronts, which was the largest military attack on a sovereign state in Europe since World War II. Experts point out that in the case of the Russian-Ukrainian war (and the creation of frozen conflicts in the former Soviet republics in general), one of Russia’s motives is to prevent European and Euro-Atlantic integration. An analysis of experts’ opinions has shown that the Russian-Ukrainian war has an impact on both Ukraine and the EU. According to domestic and foreign authors, the current foreign policy dialogue between the EU and Ukraine is focused on the issue of Russian aggression. Experts identify the main areas of Brussels’ involvement: attempts to resolve the conflict with Russia through diplomatic instruments, the application of sanctions and the provision of financial, military and humanitarian assistance. The process of European integration is mutually beneficial for both sides, and understanding this is important for its success. The article identifies the challenges and tasks for Ukraine and the EU countries to develop dialogue and formalise interstate relations, as outlined by experts. The political and strategic approach that should have underpin the EU’s policy towards potential EU member states from the outset, has been sidelined over the years in favour of an overly bureaucratic and technical process that favours form over substance. It is stated that expert assessments and analytical studies are applied in nature and analyse regional and global security challenges. The issue of updating the methodological tools and changing value strategies.