"The future of Ukraine is of strategic importance. Considering its location and size, it has become a pivot state between the West and the East, whose interests remain opposed". This is according to Anna Dulska, a researcher at the Institute for Culture and Society and professor at the Center for Global Affairs & Strategic Studies, in the essay The prospects for Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, published on the website of the University of Navarra.

He explains that from the Western perspective, represented by NATO, 'an independent Ukraine is core topic for security not only in East Central Europe, but in the entire Euro-Atlantic region'. He also points out that 'for Russia the status of Ukraine is vital for fulfilling its imperial ambitions'. 

Without Ukraine," he notes, "Russia can only have claims in Asia, while controlling it guarantees itself a dominant position in Europe as well.

Throughout essay, Anna Dulska reviews issues such as the dialogue between Ukraine and the Atlantic Alliance, Ukraine's relations with the European Union, the obstacles it has encountered in achieving Euro-Atlantic integration and the prospects after the Russian invasion. 

→ download the complete essay (16 pages, PDF)