UE, Russia and the war in Ukraine (2013-2026): the role of the EU and its limits.

This thesis analyses the role of the European Union in the Russia–Ukraine war (2013–2026), investigating whether the EU has acted as an autonomous geopolitical actor or remained structurally dependent on the United States and NATO. The research combines qualitative analysis of EU institutions, legal frameworks and policy documents with quantitative data on military expenditure, financial assistance, sanctions, defence investments and the economic impact of the conflict. It examines the EU's response through initiatives such as the Strategic Compass, the European Peace Facility, SAFE and the White Paper for European Defence Readiness, while assessing the evolution of EU–NATO relations. The thesis concludes that the war has strengthened European defence cooperation and the EU's international role, but that significant institutional and military constraints continue to limit its strategic autonomy, leaving the Union closely dependent on NATO and US leadership.