THE ROLE AND STRUCTURE OF EU ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION


DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2415-881x.2025.96.157-179

Andrii Buzarov

Abstract


The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of the European Union as a key actor within the Euro-Atlantic community in supporting Ukraine amid the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation. The study examines the main areas of institutional, military, financial, economic, and humanitarian assistance provided by the EU, as well as the political, economic, and social factors influencing the timeliness and scale of decision-making. The paper systematizes EU measures, including the European Peace Facility, the EUMAM Ukraine mission, the Ukraine Facility program, MFA+ macro-financial assistance, investment instruments, and humanitarian aid programs. Special attention is given to the political and legal aspects—from granting Ukraine EU candidate status to activating the Temporary Protection Directive for millions of displaced persons. The analysis also addresses the impact of domestic political processes in EU member states, including the rise of populism, energy dependence, and economic challenges, on the formation of a common policy toward Ukraine. It is shown that, despite existing contradictions, the EU demonstrates unprecedented unity and strategic solidarity, mobilizing significant resources to support Ukraine’s military resilience, economic stability, and humanitarian needs. The results of the study provide a deeper understanding of the EU’s decision-making mechanisms, assess the effectiveness of existing support formats, and identify structural challenges that may influence the future development of Ukraine–EU relations. The findings have practical significance for shaping Ukraine’s state policy, optimizing cooperation with European institutions, and developing strategies in the fields of international security, economic integration, and humanitarian cooperation.

Keywords


European Union; Russia–Ukraine war; Euro-Atlantic community; humanitarian aid; military support; macro-financial assistance; political solidarity; temporary protection; European integration

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