Roman Kryvonos
PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor at the Department of International Regional Studies of the Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; ORCID: 0000-0002-0470-8167
DOI:
Abstract. The article analyses the foreign policy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the context of the russian-Ukrainian war and the decline of US engagement in European security affairs. It highlights Germany’s gradual shift from cautious, pacifist, and dialogue-oriented approaches to a much more active role in supporting Ukraine through military, economic, and diplomatic means. Particular attention is devoted to the Zeitenwende concept, which marked a fundamental strategic turning point in German foreign policy and initiated substantial reforms in the field of security, defence, and rearmament. The study demonstrates how Germany’s position evolved from initial reluctance and dependence on russian energy to an increasingly proactive stance as one of the key drivers of European mobilisation against russian revanchism.
The article shows that Germany has become a crucial partner in strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities, providing humanitarian and financial support, and accelerating its integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. At the same time, the analysis underlines Germany’s internal limitations, including the concept of historical responsibility, widespread pacifist sentiment, and its non-nuclear status under the 1990 settlement. These constraints hinder Berlin from assuming sole leadership in resisting russian aggression. However, Germany’s weight as the largest economy in the European Union, its industrial capacity, and its diplomatic resources enable it to act as a financial and political coordinator of joint European efforts. The article concludes that, in partnership with France, the United Kingdom, and other allies, Germany can take the lead in shaping a consolidated European security strategy and in developing joint defence initiatives that incorporate Ukraine’s unprecedented wartime experience.
Keywords: Federal Republic of Germany, russian-Ukrainian war, foreign policy, USA, russian federation, EU, NATO, revanchism.
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