Abstract
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine, in clear violation of international law. This aggression represented an escalation of the conflict that began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the onset of warfare in eastern Ukraine. The full-scale war has now persisted for almost three years and, regardless of near-term developments, has permanently altered Europe’s security landscape. The unequivocal response from the West—with extensive sanctions imposed on Russia alongside significant military and economic support for Ukraine—demonstrates a widespread recognition that Russia’s actions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to the entire democratic world order. In this context, it is crucial to understand that relative strength is paramount in any military conflict; thus, sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine are mutually complementary efforts. These measures must be directed simultaneously at reducing Russia’s capacity to wage war and at bolstering Ukraine’s resilience.