THE IMPACT OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR ON THE EU’S POTENTIAL GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29038/2524-2679-2025-01-164-180Keywords:
global actor, EU, international system, diplomatic communication, Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, securityAbstract
The European Union is a leader in issues related to the protection of human rights, environmental protection, and humanitarian aid. Since its foundation, the European Community has been increasing its actorship in the international sys- tem, although the political and security component of the Union’s external ac- tion remains problematic. However, the challenges of the 21st century, on the one hand, pose obstacles to the EU’s path to becoming a global actor. On the other, they provide an opportunity to develop the potential to strengthen the EU’s position in the international arena. The Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine and the new policy of US President D. Trump are prompting the EU to rethink the security component of its foreign and domestic policy. The article focuses on examining the question of how/whether the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine has activated the EU to strengthen its role not only as a regional but also as a global actor.
Statements by top EU leaders demonstrate the Community’s desire to play a more active role in addressing global challenges and strengthening the rulesbased international order. Politicians at both the EU and Member States levels show a growing awareness of the need to reinforce the EU’s global role.
One of the possible directions to strengthen the EU’s role in the world is the development of the Union’s defense policy and its military potential. The ag- gressive policy of Russian President V. Putin against Ukraine and the isolationist policy of US President D. Trump turn out to be the catalyst. The White Paper on European Defense 2025 indicates possible ways to strengthen the EU’s common security and defense. The EU’s response to the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, for instance, sanctions against Russia, reducing energy depen- dence on the aggressor country, military and financial assistance to Ukraine, pro- tection of Ukrainian refugees, etc., shows the EU’s potential as a united actor and its gradual transformation into a global player.
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