Europe and the war in Ukraine: From Russian aggression to a new Eastern policy

The Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 shook the world and caused immense suffering and destruction in the invaded country. All indicates that the war will drag on deep into 2023.

Up to now, the conflict has been highly dynamic: militarily and politically. Ambitions, objectives, and achievements have been as dynamic as the policy of the stakeholders involved. While not a military player itself, the EU has appeared as a significant actor by aiding the Ukrainian war effort, supporting refugees, sanctioning Russia, and turning Ukraine into one of the candidates for EU membership.

Our ambition with this reader is to track these developments concerning the key aspects of the war from a European perspective. Beyond the causes and consequences of the war, we should explore how Europe, and more specifically, the EU perform in the conflict, which will determine the future of our continent in many ways.

“Russian aggression against Ukraine has dominated both politics and life in Europe since the invasion began in February 2022. And while it is primarily the population of Ukraine that suffers terribly from Vladimir Putin’s war, the indirect effects have been felt worldwide. This book vividly illustrates that wars involving great powers can no longer be contained regionally in a globalised world.”

Lubomir Zaorálek, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic (2014–17)

“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine brought with it the potential to create chaos in the international system. This book – a valuable contribution from FEPS – offers the first comprehensive account of the war and its repercussions in Europe and should serve as a key stimulus for informed debate about Ukraine’s future in Europe.”

Enrique Barón Crespo, former president of the European Parliament (1989–1992)

“For students, researchers and policymakers trying to get their heads around the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its tragic consequences both inside Europe and also beyond, this book will be an indispensable source of analysis and information, even while the conflict rages on and despite the fact that our world will never be the same again.”

Nathalie Tocci, director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali (Rome) and honorary professor at the University of Tübingen

 The online version of the book can be downloaded here.