Let me start by expressing all Ukrainians’ heartfelt gratitude to the German nation for the continuing support during these dark times for our country. German help for Ukraine is pretty complex—from weapons and supplies for Ukraine’s military, financial aid, support to our people fleeing from the war to political and technical assistance for Ukraine’s European Union integration.
We really praise what Germany is doing to support Ukraine, and it is not just polite words—according to surveys, over 87 percent of Ukrainians express a highly positive attitude toward Germany, seeing the country as one of Ukraine’s strategically important partners.
Joining the EU is an unquestionable priority for Ukraine. Our society has always strived for the path to Europe: over 88 percent of Ukrainians support EU integration.
We hope for a better future in the EU, together with our strategic allies, including Germany. However, the unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine and European values threatens Ukraine’s very existence, not to speak about the aspiration for EU membership. As long as Russia goes on with the war there will be risks for economic development, democracy, and security for the whole European continent.
A Ukrainian defeat in the war would likely trigger devastating consequences and pose a grave threat to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and to the entire EU. Therefore, before talking about what the future of Ukraine or the EU should be, it is necessary to restore peace and justice in Europe.
Enhanced Support
Ukrainians hope that the next German government will continue and, if possible, enhance its support for Ukraine in this unfair war. In this context, Ukraine requires continued military assistance and expanded cooperation with Europe’s defense industry. To further isolate Russia’s economy and cut its revenues from energy resource trade, EU sanctions must be expanded, and existing sanctions must be properly enforced and monitored. War crimes must not go unpunished, and justice must be inevitable.
By supporting Ukraine in this war, Germany is upholding fundamental norms of international law. The destruction of the rules-based order based (which Russia is trying to undermine) would lead to increasing global chaos, a rise in conflicts, and more wars.
Yet, we continue to believe in our common future. In the meantime, Ukraine has to tackle several significant internal challenges on its path toward EU membership. Amongst others, this includes threats related to preserving and strengthening democracy during martial law (such as the inability to hold elections, as well as the martial law-related restrictions of rights and freedoms). Hence, the support for civil society currently provided by Germany is an important step in this direction.
Another major challenge is the loss of human resources, particularly in public administration. This sector will play a vital role in implementing European integration reforms and adopting the EU acquis. To become an efficient partner and to become compliant with EU standards, Ukraine must continue to reform and reinforce its institutions. We hope that Germany will support these reforms and advocate for their implementation.
The destruction caused by the war presents yet another pressing challenge. Significant portions of infrastructure, industry, and housing have been damaged or destroyed due to the hostilities, with critical damage concentrated in the energy sector. Ukrainian ports also remain frequent targets of Russian missile attacks. Ukraine will need financial support and investments to build back this infrastructure in a better way.
Ukraine’s Contribution
At the same time, Ukraine will be a valuable asset for the whole EU. First and foremost, Ukraine’s unprecedented military experience could be a significant contribution to the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy. Security cooperation between Ukraine, Germany, and other EU member states will significantly strengthen the EU’s ability to address external security challenges. In particular, the EU will benefit from acquiring one of Europe’s largest armies, extensive experience in combating external aggression, terrorism, cyberattacks, disinformation, as well as a strong defense industry, and advanced capabilities in designing and utilizing military drones.
Ukraine also has unique experience in maintaining the resilience of transport infrastructure, the energy grid, and telecommunications under unprecedented conditions, which can contribute to building a more resilient Europe.
Either in times of war or peace, Ukraine is a reliable partner for trade and economic cooperation. Since the coming into force of EU-UA free trade regime in 2016, the amount of trade with the EU almost doubled and reached €61.9 billion in 2023. German exports to Ukraine also almost doubled since 2016 and reached €7 billion in 2023. Thus, free trade and Ukrainian access to the European single market is beneficial for both sides.
It is crucial that both Ukraine and EU member states ensure the integrity of the free trade regime. A predictable economic environment, where trade agreements are honored, is the best guarantee for strengthening trade and economic cooperation.
In addition, Ukraine can become an important partner in sectoral cooperation. As a highly competitive player in agriculture, Ukraine can contribute to the EU’s food sovereignty and security. Additionally, Ukraine has the potential to develop green energy and produce sustainable products, which can support the EU in advancing its green agenda on the international stage.
Stronger Together
The coming years will be full of challenges for Ukraine, Germany, and the EU. The new reality, which was created by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, poses significant threats to democracy on the European continent—uncontrolled migration, risks of direct military attacks on EU member states, information manipulation and disinformation in the political processes of democratic nations, threats to telecommunications and energy infrastructure, and much more.
EU enlargement is a tool for strengthening the EU geopolitically and spreading its values to neighboring European countries. However, this expansion is taking place under unprecedented conditions of political uncertainty, making the accession process much more complex for current candidate countries.
Ukraine hopes that Germany will take on a leadership role in reforming the EU and preparing it to address these risks. Ukraine also relies on Germany to continue supporting the enlargement process and the reforms in candidate countries on their path to membership.
In recent weeks, the dynamics of the US-Ukraine-Europe relationship have shifted dramatically. The United States is no longer a reliable security partner for Ukraine, and there are growing doubts about its commitment to security in Europe. From now on, Europe must rely on itself. That is why mutual support and coordinated efforts toward the safeguarding of Europe’s future are required by Ukraine and its European allies.
We strongly believe that Germany, being a major technological power within the EU, is able to enhance European security both in economic and defense terms. This includes advocating for improving the EU’s economic competitiveness amidst hostilities and US tariff threats, as well as building a strong European defense alliance to reduce dependence on the US in security matters.
Only those demonstrating unity, leadership, and cooperation can endure through the coming harsh times. Together we will overcome this, whatever tomorrow may bring.
Oleksandra Bulana is an analyst at the Ukrainian Centre for European Policy (UCEP) in Kyiv.
