The evolution of the European Union’s eastern neighbourhood since the Russia-Ukraine war

Abstract

This concise paper explores the intricate relationship between thedynamics of the European Union and Russia’s interests in Europe, emphasizingthe advantages perceived by Russia in a weakened EU. The paper is comprisedof three sections: firstly, it examines the collapse of the Soviet Unionand its impact on newly independent states, establishing the geopoliticallandscape. The subsequent section traces Russia’s foreign policy leading tothe 2022 conflict with Ukraine, with a focus on Ukraine’s pivotal role as a geopoliticalflashpoint. The final section explores the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war, specifically addressing the European Union’s role in security.The paper concludes by addressing the 2022 escalation, marked by Russia’sfull-scale invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the imperative of understandingUkraine’s status as a geopolitical flashpoint. Overall, the paper contributes toa nuanced comprehension of the evolving geopolitical landscape, its implicationsfor regional stability, and international relations.