With talk of a peace deal in the works, Ukraine is faced with Russian demands for substantial concessions.
Loss of territory and assets, neutrality as well a ban from NATO membership are among Putin’s demands.
While the situation seems dire for Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration, there are still numerous foreign policy steps which could be taken to ensure closer relationships with the U.S., the EU, and increased regional security.
To strengthen the transatlantic bond, Ukraine should revise its foreign policy stance on Israel. President Trump has always expressed his support for the country, vowing that there would be "all hell to pay" for Hamas prior to the release of Israeli hostages.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has approved nearly $12 billion in major FMS* sales to Israel, repealing the Biden-era memorandum which had imposed conditions on military assistance to Israel. *FMS: Foreign Military Sales.
The U.S. has a long-standing commitment to Israel’s security and regional stability — a foreign policy goal that Ukraine needs to align with.
In fact, President Zelenskyy has taken a more neutral stance regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Just days after Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the UN passed Resolution ES-10/21 calling for an "immediate and sustained" humanitarian truce.
The U.S. led a bloc of 14 nations to oppose it, but Ukraine abstained. Kyiv did so again in a follow-up resolution demanding a ceasefire in December 2023, which was also opposed by the U.S.
If Ukraine expects support from the U.S., the Zelenskyy administration needs to show its alignment with common goals, rather than backing U.S. interests at the UN only occasionally.
On the European front, Ukraine also needs to urge for further integration, complying with the conditions needed for EU membership.
To achieve that, Kyiv needs to focus on governance reforms, such as those fighting against corruption. Aligning with EU legal standards across 35 policy areas including taxation, energy, and judicial reform will also require a monumental effort.
In addition to its own policies, Ukraine is playing an important role in encouraging its European allies in increasing the readiness of their own defense — a goal that President Trump has been adamant about for many years.
To accelerate European integration as well as to improve regional security, alignment with other countries aspiring for EU membership will become paramount.
Particularly, Ukraine still does not recognize Kosovo — a Balkan country which has been a leader in domestic reforms, eliminating corruption and seeing exponential progress in the past five years.
While both countries share numerous similarities, and Ukraine could benefit from Kosovars’ advice in its own reforms, the non-recognition is caused by Russian propaganda, exemplifying a larger issue of Ukrainian political society playing into the Kremlin’s tactic manipulation.
Russia has been consistently spreading a narrative: that the Kremlin could have not occupied Crimea if not for Kosovo’s independence.
Russia uses the 'Kosovo precedent' in its justifications, while misinterpreting its meaning as it does not apply to unlawful use of force exhibited by Russia.
However, the narrative has been so effective that Ukraine has still not recognized Kosovo in the fears of the recognition in effect legitimizing the occupation of Crimea as well.
Yet in reality, both Kosovo and Ukraine are victims of Russian aggression.
Moreover, both countries are trying to achieve EU membership, and working together they could accomplish this goal faster. Importantly, Ukraine cannot become a member of the EU if it does not recognize independence of the country that the European block recognizes and is committed to support.
Today, Ukraine stands at a crossroads in its pursuit of security and sovereignty.
While the challenges it faces, particularly in the context of territorial concessions and demands for neutrality, are significant, there are critical foreign policy steps it can take to secure stronger cooperation with the U.S., the EU and its regional partners.
By revising its stance on Israel, accelerating its integration into the EU, and overcoming its reluctance to recognize Kosovo, Ukraine can further solidify its position as a resilient, forward-looking nation.
These strategic adjustments will not only enhance its foreign policy alignment with its key partners but also pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future within the European and international community.
The time for action is now — Ukraine must embrace these necessary reforms and make the bold decisions required to ensure its long-term success.
Ivan Sascha Sheehan is a professor of Public and International affairs and the associate dean of the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore. Opinions expressed are his own. Follow him on X @ProfSheehan
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