How Ukraine put Putin’s plan for Europe on hold
The war in Ukraine has been raging for almost a year, since Russia launched a large-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022. The conflict has claimed over 10,000 lives, displaced millions of people, and threatened the stability and security of Europe. Despite international condemnation, sanctions, and diplomatic pressure, Russia has shown no sign of backing down from its aggressive expansionism. President Vladimir Putin has made clear his intention to restore Russia’s influence and dominance in the region, and to prevent Ukraine from joining the European Union and NATO.
However, Ukraine has not given up its sovereignty and aspirations. With the support of its Western allies, especially the United States, Ukraine has been able to resist the Russian onslaught and defend its territory. Ukraine has also made significant progress in its reforms and integration with the European Union, which recently took a historic step to bring Kyiv closer to membership. By doing so, Ukraine has effectively put Putin’s plan for Europe on hold, and demonstrated its resilience and determination to remain a free and democratic nation.
How Ukraine resisted Russia’s invasion
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a blatant violation of international law and norms, and a direct challenge to the European security order. Russia used its overwhelming military superiority, hybrid warfare tactics, and proxy forces to seize control of large parts of the Donbas region. Russia also deployed tens of thousands of troops and heavy weapons along the border with Ukraine, creating a constant risk of escalation and further aggression.
Ukraine, however, did not succumb to Russia’s intimidation and coercion. Despite being outmatched and outgunned, Ukraine fought back with courage and determination, relying on its professional and volunteer soldiers, its patriotic and mobilized society, and its strategic and operational ingenuity. Ukraine also received crucial assistance from its Western partners, especially the United States, which provided military aid, training, intelligence, and diplomatic support. The US also led the efforts to impose sanctions on Russia, and to coordinate a unified response from the international community.
As a result, Ukraine was able to slow down and stop the Russian advance, and to inflict significant casualties and damage on the enemy. Ukraine also managed to avoid a catastrophic encirclement of its forces, as it did in Mariupol, by conducting strategic withdrawals and redeployments. Its advanced rocket and artillery systems, such as the US-provided HIMARS, was used strategically to counter Russia’s advantage in firepower and range. Ukraine also exploited Russia’s vulnerabilities, such as its dependence on supply lines, its lack of popular support, and its economic and political isolation.
By doing so, Ukraine was able to prevent Russia from achieving its strategic objectives, such as capturing the entire Luhansk region, creating a land corridor to Crimea, or forcing Ukraine to accept a political settlement on Moscow’s terms. Therefore the territorial integrity and the ability of Ukraine to defend itself was preserved.
How Ukraine progressed in its integration with the European Union
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was also motivated by its desire to prevent Ukraine from joining the European Union and NATO, which Putin sees as a threat to his vision of a “Greater Russia” and a “Eurasian Union”. Russia has long opposed and undermined Ukraine’s European aspirations, using various means, such as economic pressure, political interference, propaganda, and cyberattacks. Russia also tried to use the war as a leverage to force Ukraine to abandon its pro-Western orientation, and to accept a “federalization” or “neutralization” that would give Moscow a veto over Kyiv’s foreign and security policy.
Ukraine, however, did not give up its European ambitions. On the contrary, Ukraine accelerated and deepened its integration with the European Union, which it sees as a guarantee of its security, prosperity, and democracy. A series of reform was implemented to align its legislation, institutions, and standards with those of the EU, in areas such as the rule of law, anti-corruption, human rights, energy, trade, and digitalization. Ukraine also increased its cooperation and coordination with the EU on various issues, such as defence, security, migration, climate, and health.
The European Union, in turn, recognized and rewarded Ukraine’s efforts and achievements, and expressed its solidarity and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU also increased its assistance and investment in Ukraine, and expanded its trade and visa-free regime with Kyiv. Most importantly, a historic step to bring Ukraine closer to membership was taken by the European Union, by granting it the status of an “associated country” and by launching a “European perspective” dialogue. This means that Ukraine is now officially recognized as a potential candidate for joining the EU, and that it will have access to more benefits and opportunities, such as participation in EU programs, agencies, and policies.
By doing so, Ukraine was able to advance in its European integration, and to demonstrate its commitment and readiness to become a full-fledged member of the EU. Ukraine also strengthened its ties and trust with the EU, and enhanced its attractiveness and credibility as a partner and ally.
Conclusion
The war in Ukraine is not only a conflict between two countries, but also a clash between two visions of Europe: one based on democracy, cooperation, and integration, and the other based on authoritarianism, confrontation, and domination. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was part of Putin’s plan to reshape Europe according to his interests and ideology, and to undermine the European Union and NATO. Ukraine’s resistance and progress, however, have put Putin’s plan on hold, and have shown that Ukraine is a key actor and stakeholder in the European project. Ukraine has proven that it is willing and able to defend its freedom and sovereignty, and to pursue its European aspirations, despite Russia’s aggression and pressure. Ukraine has also proven that it is a valuable and reliable partner and ally for the European Union and the United States, and that it shares their values and goals. Ukraine’s success is not only important for its own future, but also for the future of Europe and the transatlantic community.
