UKRAINE'S PATH TO THE EUROPEAN UNION AND NATO
UKRAINE'S PATH TO THE EUROPEAN UNION AND NATO

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the study is to analyse Poland's policy towards the armed conflict in Ukraine, with a particular focus on the strategic and geopolitical aspects of Ukraine's integration into the European Union and NATO. The study aims to understand how Poland's policy affects Ukraine's aspirations for membership in Western structures and to assess this process from the perspective of international politics, regional and international security. The research was conducted using the tools of political analysis, international relations theory and the comparative method. Data was collected from both Polish and foreign literature on foreign policy, security and Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO. In addition, an analysis of governmental sources and international documents was carried out, as well as interviews with experts in the field of international politics. Poland's policy towards Ukraine has been consistent and based on supporting Ukraine's aspirations for integration into the EU and NATO, seeing it as a key element of regional stability. Poland-Ukraine cooperation on defence and security has gained importance in the context of Russian aggression, with Poland as one of the main allies in Ukraine's integration into the West. There are security concerns, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine and its potential effects on European security, but Poland sees the push for Ukraine's NATO membership as part of weakening Russia's influence in the region. On the other hand, the expansion of the EU and NATO to include a state in conflict carries the risk of destabilisation and escalation of tensions with Russia. Poland should continue its support for Ukraine, both politically and militarily, but at the same time seek coordination with other NATO and EU members to minimise the risk of an escalation of the conflict with Russia. Further diplomacy should be pursued to prepare the ground for Ukraine's eventual accession to NATO and the EU, while providing protection mechanisms against regional destabilisation. It is recommended to intensify cooperation within regional initiatives, such as the Weimar Triangle, in order to increase Poland's influence on security policy in Central and Eastern Europe. The work brings a new perspective to Poland's policy towards the Ukrainian conflict and Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO, taking into account both international politics and Poland's security needs, as well as the challenges of Ukraine's potential membership. It also analyses the dilemmas of the extension of Western structures to Eastern Europe in the context of the war and the political and military risks associated with this process.

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