DOI: 10.46340/eppd.2025.12.1.1
Oleksandr Vysotskyi, D.Sc. in Political Science
Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro, Ukraine
Igor Polishchuk, D.Sc. in Political Science
Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Dmytro Korotkov, PhD in Political Science
Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Zhanna Chevychalova, PhD in Law
Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
How to cite: Vysotskyi, O., Polishchuk, I., Korotkov, D., & Chevychalova, Zh. (2025). Ukrainian Economic Diplomacy during the Full-Scale Russian Aggression. Evropský politický a právní diskurz, 12, 1, 5-12. https://doi.org/10.46340/eppd.2025.12.1.1
Abstract
This study examines the pivotal role of economic diplomacy in Ukraine’s survival and resistance during the full-scale Russian aggression that began in February 2022. Amid a dire economic and financial situation, Ukraine faced an existential challenge, defending itself against a significantly stronger and more resourceful aggressor. Economic diplomacy emerged as a critical strategy to counterbalance Russia’s advantages, leveraging global economic and political mechanisms to sustain Ukraine’s defense and resilience. The study aims to elucidate the essence, tools, and outcomes of Ukraine’s economic diplomacy during the first 18 months of the Russia-Ukraine war. It identifies and analyzes strategic directions of economic diplomacy, including securing military supplies, mobilizing financial aid, imposing sanctions on the aggressor, facilitating humanitarian assistance, reducing trade barriers, and fostering post-war recovery frameworks. The research also highlights the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in uniting the global democratic community, utilizing innovative communication and value-driven appeals to galvanize international support. Methodologically, the study integrates a technological approach with systems analysis and case studies to uncover the interconnectedness of economic, political, and communication strategies. The authors reveal that Ukraine’s economic diplomacy achieved significant milestones, such as securing unprecedented levels of military and financial assistance, imposing comprehensive sanctions against Russia, and fostering a cohesive global response to aggression. The analysis underscores the existential nature of these efforts, demonstrating that economic diplomacy was not only a tool for survival but also a foundation for future reconstruction and stability. Furthermore, the research highlights the transformative role of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s public diplomacy, which transcended traditional statecraft by cultivating trust and solidarity through direct appeals to global audiences. Ukraine’s economic diplomacy serves as a model of resilience and ingenuity, showcasing how nations can navigate profound crises through strategic coordination and international collaboration.
Keywords: economic diplomacy, wartime international relations, sanctions strategy, international communication, policy, Russia-Ukraine war, security.
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