When Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, launched the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, it framed the move as a so-called special military operation. The aim appeared to be a rapid capture of Kyiv, suppression of Volodymyr Zelensky’s administration, and installation of a government favorable to Moscow. A year into the conflict, the war’s trajectory showed limited success in achieving those initial objectives, but it reshaped European defense more than expected. The struggle prompted Ukraine to rally allied support and accelerated arms deliveries from partner nations, highlighting the broader strategic shifts in European security and the NATO alliance.
Over the past few years, European defense institutions have undergone a dramatic transformation. A pivotal shift followed a provocative critique in a high-profile interview that reflected a broader consensus: the post–Cold War balance had been unsettled by shifting leadership and defense spending. Analysts agree that the war in Ukraine marks a turning point, altering long-standing assumptions about regional security and alliance dynamics.
Allies responded by overhauling deterrence and collective defense policies in a landmark Madrid summit. The alliance redefined its strategic concept, recognizing Moscow as a direct threat to European security. Since the Cold War era, members expanded deployable land forces, strengthened defenses on the eastern flank, and began recruiting new partners, with Sweden and Finland eventually joining the circle after Sweden’s earlier consent. The move underscored a renewed commitment to deter aggression and bolster military capabilities across NATO. Analysts at European Reform Center observed that the conflict underscored the West’s resilience and the central role of alliance structures in deterring Russia.
air for NATO
Allied Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted that the evolution began before the invasion. Asked about the war’s impact on the organization, he emphasized the enduring importance of unity: NATO has not changed its goals; rather, it has highlighted why allies must stay together to support Ukraine and protect one another. The former Norwegian prime minister described the conflict as triggering a major expansion of collective defense, a process that started years earlier as the alliance adapted to a more volatile security environment. The annexation of Crimea and ongoing tensions have driven this transformation, even as some pundits argued that it started well before February of last year.
Stoltenberg highlighted that the alliance has pursued greater readiness, more presence on the eastern frontier, and increased defense spending. The target remains for members to devote 2% of GDP to military expenditures by 2024, with ongoing discussions about raising ambitions at upcoming summits. The security landscape requires renewed commitments as the world grows more dangerous, he argued in recent remarks.
EU decisions
The European Union has also reoriented its approach to security. While NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defense, EU leaders have pledged to increase defense investments and improve coordination. For a year, discussions among foreign ministers, defense ministers, economy ministers, and European leaders have repeatedly centered on the war and its consequences for European security. The conflict has broken several long-standing taboos on arms coordination and financing for defense.
The EU and its member states created mechanisms to support defense procurement and assistance for Ukraine, including intergovernmental funds for military material and training. European support has included heavy equipment and training programs designed to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The bloc has also provided humanitarian aid and coordinated sanctions to disrupt the Russian war economy, while highlighting the broader strategic implications for energy security and regional stability. European Council analyses suggest these actions reflect a sustained commitment to deterrence and resilience across Europe.
The war’s ripple effects extended into humanitarian policy as millions of Ukrainians sought safety in neighboring countries. The European Union implemented a Temporary Protection Directive to offer residence, education, housing, social support, and medical care for those fleeing the conflict. UN data indicate millions of Ukrainians sought refuge in Europe, with many establishing long-term protection arrangements.
In response to the aggression, the EU imposed sanctions targeting strategic sectors and financial systems. Russia faced prohibitions on key exports, restrictions on energy trade, and restrictions related to banking transactions to curb the flow of funds supporting the war. These measures, paired with broader support for Ukraine, have tested the cohesion of the union and its member states, prompting conversations on long-term defense readiness and strategic autonomy within Europe.