Since the beginning of the war, the world has been actively discussing the events in Ukraine. Changes have taken place not only in the minds of Europeans, but also at the global political level.
About this Channel 24Alexander Solontai, director of practical policy programs at the Institute of Political Education, spoke live. He named important changes in the geopolitics of Europe that occurred under the influence of the war in Ukraine.
Solontai stressed that incredible tectonic changes in world geopolitics are taking place in 2022.
Ukraine is a candidate for EU membership
Firstly, “At the beginning of 2022, no one could have imagined that in the middle of the year Ukraine would become a candidate for joining the European Union,” Solontai stressed.
Of course, there were further discussions before the start of the war about the possibility of an attack on Ukraine, but then few would have dared to say that the result of this would be the acceleration of the course of Ukraine's European integration.
Changes in world geopolitics in 2022: see video
Countries now want NATO
Secondly, they also talk about NATO expansion, Solontai emphasized. Previously, no one hoped that countries that yesterday had a neutral status would today go through the procedures for joining NATO. Moreover, they will be close to its completion.
Jens Stoltenberg said that all procedures for the formation and expansion of NATO are expected to be completed at the beginning of 2023.
The importance of Ukraine has grown
Thirdly, the importance of Ukraine has increased in the world, the expert noted.
Only when the war began, only when the ports stopped, did Africa, Asia and the whole world cry out that world food security depends on Ukraine. And as a result, we have a grain corridor,” commented Solontai.
The world supports Ukraine
Solontai also mentioned the reactions of society in the countries of the world. Previously, it seemed to Ukrainians that our biggest allies in the West were pro-Ukrainian politicians. We have usually criticized politicians who take a closer to pro-Russian political position. However, in 2022 in Europe we saw that societies left Ukraine.
We saw that people left Ukraine en masse. And this changed the position of many politicians, many began to evolve,” the speaker added.
He recalled that we used to criticize Czech President Milos Zeman for his ambiguous position, and now he, albeit in words, is one of the most ardent supporters of Ukraine. This is how the Germans and many others changed their position. Which countries support Ukraine in the war/Channel 24 Infographics
The Ukrainian question is on the lips of Europe
According to Solontai, the newest Ukrainian diaspora has entered the world society. In general, the European and world agenda has changed, and this is not the only such example.
“Who could have said a year ago that the European family would discuss whether it is right to limit heating consumption and whether it is good to endure the increase in the cost of housing and communal services in the context of the war in Ukraine. Previously, they did not draw parallels between themselves and us”, – Solontai added.
Now the Ukrainian question is at the level of household discussion in European families, discussed at the Christmas feast. This indicates that the world agenda has seriously changed during the war.
Latest statements on Ukraine in the world
- On December 24, the British Ministry of Defense congratulated the Ukrainian military on the holiday. They emphasized that they admire the courage of our heroes.
- After a visit to the White House of Vladimir Zelensky, Joe Biden wrote: “Ukraine and the Ukrainian people inspire not only us – they inspire the world”
- Ministries of European Affairs of the Government of Austria Caroline Edtstadl noted that Ukraine is currently demonstrating incredible freedom to become a member of the European Union in the future.
