The Path to European Integration: The Formation of a New Ukrainian Identity in the Flames of War

The annexation of Crimea, the war in Donbass in 2014, and the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022 accelerated the transformation and formation of Ukrainian national identity. In particular, this war created a sense of ‘threat’ in Ukrainian society, formed a collective identity, and promoted the process of making Russia a common other and enemy for Ukraine. The war waged by Russia since 2014 has rather given Ukrainians a sense of civic belonging and national pride, and a sense of responsibility for national defense and national solidarity. In addition, these wars have broadly strengthened not only ‘anti-Russianism’, a common sentiment among the majority of Ukrainians, but also support for the transition to the European model. Ultimately, this war provides Ukraine with an opportunity to carry out tasks that should have been liquidated long ago: de-Sovietization and de-Russification, resolving internal divisions, and forming a unified national identity. This is a process that Ukraine must go through in order to integrate into Europe.