The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 posed an existential threat to Ukraine’s statehood, compelling Ukrainians to rally efforts to safeguard the nation and secure international support. Ukraine’s foreign policy emerged as a crucial element in sustaining this backing, particularly from the European Union (EU). However, research on Ukraine’s foreign policy often remains overshadowed by the focus on major powers, neglecting Ukraine’s agency in shaping its international relationships.

This project investigates Ukraine's evolving foreign policy towards the EU following the 2022 invasion, analyzing how Ukraine influenced the EU to adopt an unprecedentedly supportive stance. Examples include military and financial assistance, EU sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine’s successful application for EU candidate status. By examining policy actions, official documents, media sources, and interviews with EU and Ukrainian policymakers, this research provides an empirical assessment of Ukraine’s foreign policy innovations during wartime.

Preliminary findings highlight significant changes, such as the involvement of civil society—both domestically and in the diaspora—as active contributors to foreign policy. These efforts have reinforced Ukraine’s subjectivity in its relationship with the EU. Tactics included direct appeals by Ukraine’s leadership to European parliaments, bold diplomatic rhetoric, and the mobilization of civil society to advocate for greater Western support.

The study focuses on key milestones in the EU’s pro-Ukraine shift: economic measures like sanctions against Russia, streamlined access to the EU single market, financial aid packages, military assistance, and Ukraine's progress toward EU accession. It also acknowledges broader factors shaping EU policy, such as shifting security narratives and the tangible threat of Russian aggression.

Using the bellicist theory of state formation, this research contextualizes the wartime transformation of Ukraine’s foreign policy. Spanning February 2022 to February 2024, it aims to uncover actionable insights for further enhancing Ukraine’s diplomatic strategies and EU integration efforts. The project contributes to filling a critical gap in Ukrainian studies and advancing understanding of Ukraine’s agency in international relations.