HISTORICAL LESSONS FOR EUROPEAN SECURITY: UKRAINE’S PIVOTAL ROLE IN SHAPING A DEFENSIVE BARRIER AGAINST EASTERN THREATS

Abstract

This study examines the establishment of a European security belt as a strategic countermeasure to Russian aggression, emphasizing Ukraine’s historical role as a bulwark of European defense. It explores Ukraine’s significance as a critical factor in ensuring the military dimension of European security during wartime and in the post-war period. The research integrates historical, international-political, and governance perspectives to distill lessons from the past—spanning from Kyivan Rus and the Middle Ages to present-day geopolitical challenges—and to propose pathways for Ukraine’s integration into the contemporary European security framework.

The analysis traces the evolution of European unity from the Roman Empire to the present, identifying lessons applicable to modern Europe. Drawing on historical evidence, the study systematizes events that reveal the consistent shortcomings of international security institutions in effectively addressing aggression and preventing conflict escalation. It highlights the roles of states that have historically served as Europe’s defensive shield against eastern threats, citing instances where smaller coalitions successfully resisted more powerful adversaries. Particular focus is placed on modern security initiatives, such as the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), and the identification of strategic opportunities for Ukraine to bolster the continental security framework.

The article also addresses the challenge of maintaining a robust European security architecture amidst shifting U.S. policies and the need to adapt to emerging realities. It evaluates European initiatives aimed at modernizing the continent’s security system and delineates Ukraine’s potential contributions. Key measures are outlined for the Ukrainian government and its European partners to establish a resilient security belt to counter eastern aggression.

Special attention is given to the strategic window of opportunity for Ukraine and its European allies in the current complex geopolitical environment. The authors highlight positive developments in the construction of the European security belt, particularly through the advancement of the 3SI, and underscore Ukraine’s potential to strengthen this initiative. However, the study emphasizes the urgency of implementing adaptive defense cooperation practices in response to ongoing military aggression.

The findings provide a methodological foundation for developing national and regional initiatives in Ukraine’s national security, public administration, and defense sectors, aimed at shaping an effective post-war European security architecture.