STUDIA NAD BEZPIECZEŃSTWEM

Nr 9 s. 131–146 2024

ISSN 2543–7321

Uniwersytet Pomorski w Słupsku

Przyjęto: 30.12.2024

Zaakceptowano: 30.12.2024

Oryginalna praca badawcza DOI: 10.34858/SNB.9.2024.008

Vasyl Shynkaruk



e-mail: vashyn2010@ukr.net



Lidiia Shynkaruk



e-mail: lidia_shyn@ukr.net



Oksana Zakhutska



e-mail: oksana.zov@gmail.com



SECURITY ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

IN EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE IN THE CONTEXT

OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

ASPEKTY BEZPIECZEŃSTWA W STOSUNKACH

MIĘDZYNARODOWYCH W EUROPIE ŚRODKOWO-

-WSCHODNIEJ W KONTEKŚCIE WOJNY ROSYJSKO-

-UKRAIŃSKIEJ

Abstract: The article examines the security dimension of international relations in Central

and Eastern Europe in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The research problem

-

tiveness of international mechanisms for deterring aggression and ensuring regional sta-

bility in this part of the world. The research goal has been achieved through geopolitical

Vasyl Shynkaruk, Lidiia Shynkaruk, Oksana Zakhutska

analysis, content analysis and discourse analysis of the security aspects of international

relations in Eastern and Central Europe in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

This was based on a comprehensive approach that included an assessment of the geostra-

tegic position of states, an analysis of their participation in international organisations,

military alliances and security initiatives, as well as an examination of historical, politi-



Zarys treści       

       

-

       -





-



        -

-

        



Keywords: Eastern and Central Europe, international relations, Russian-Ukrainian war,

security, geopolitical challenges.

Słowa kluczowe     



Introduction

The Russian-Ukrainian war has become one of the most serious challenges



-

lations of Eastern and Central European countries. This war has highlighted the

weaknesses of the existing security architecture in the region, in particular, is-

sues of collective defence, energy independence and resilience to hybrid threats.





Security Aspects of International Relations in Eastern and Central Europe

organisations, has shown considerable interest in stabilising the region, while

facing challenges from Russia’s geopolitical ambitions. The study of the security

aspects of international relations in Eastern and Central Europe in the context of

the Russian-Ukrainian war is extremely timely in the face of the enormous chal-

lenges that have threatened the stability and security not only of individual states,

but also of the European continent as a whole. Firstly, the Russian-Ukrainian

war destroyed long-standing mechanisms of peaceful coexistence based on the

principles of international law, as Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine has



-



others. Secondly, the Russian-Ukrainian war has highlighted the vulnerability

of Eastern and Central European countries to external threats, including hybrid

  -

creased tension in the region calls for a review of defence strategies, a strength-

        



changes in energy policy, economic ties and political unity among European

countries. In particular, issues such as energy independence from Russia, the

modernisation of the army, increased sanctions pressure and support for coun-



is also important for understanding the prospects for lasting peace and stability in

-



continuing threat of Russian aggression and the awareness of the lack of credi-

ble external security guarantees are the main rationales for supporting Ukraine’s

strategic course towards Euro-Atlantic integration.



The timeliness of the ongoing research stems from the need to create a more



realities and promotes the protection of the interests of the countries of the region.

Therefore, the study of this topic is not only of theoretical, but also of practical

importance, as it contributes to a better understanding of global processes and the

development of strategies to ensure peace and security in Europe.

 Vstup Ukrainy do NATO – zabezpechennia natsionalnoi bez-

peky, Vidnosyny mizh Ukrainoiu i NATO na suchasnomu etapi: dosiahnennia ta vyklyky:

zb. nauk. prats





Vasyl Shynkaruk, Lidiia Shynkaruk, Oksana Zakhutska

Security issues have always been at the centre of international relations theory

and practice. Recently, the issue of security in international relations in Eastern

and Central Europe in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war has become the

subject of inquiry for many scholars and analysts. Aspects of security in Eastern



particular, Aleksander Olech and Jacek Raubo have carried out an analysis on the

need for close military cooperation between the countries of the Trilateral Initia-

tive, as at present the Trilateral Initiative is primarily economic and political in

nature, but with the increase in international tension, including Russia’s aggres-

sion against Ukraine, it is necessary to expand this format to include a defence

dimension.



      -

structure, it is worth using EU tools focused on the development of cross-border



for the Danube Region (EUSDR), as they can be a valuable source of funding for







Zbigniew Brzezinski em-

phasises the importance of Ukraine in ensuring security in the EU and even in

the world, and expresses the opinion that in the event of close cooperation in the

-

sion of Ukraine, an axis of states could emerge which, on the one hand, would

be the foundation of security and, on the other hand, pose no threat either to Rus-

sia or to any other actors on the international stage.



Many Ukrainian academics are actively researching the security aspects of

international relations in Eastern and Central Europe. Thus, Ruslan Demchyshak



security cooperation with the sub-regional organisations of Central and East-

ern Europe will develop at the current pace, periodically gaining new intensity.



A. Olech, J. Raubo, Czas na Armię Trójmorza? O konieczności bliskiej współpracy

wojskowej państw trójmorskich    







 Zacieśnianie relacji Ukrainy z Trójmorzem poprzez dotychczasowe formaty

współpracy wielostronnej w EŚW. Wnioski i rekomendacje, Instytut BiRM, 



   Wielka Szachownica. Geostrategia amerykańskiego przywództwa 





R. Demchyshak, Bezpekovyi aspekt spivpratsi Ukrainy iz subrehionalnymy ob’iednannia-

my Tsentralno-Skhidnoi Yevropy



Security Aspects of International Relations in Eastern and Central Europe

The transition of this cooperation to a new level is only possible in the event

of Ukraine’s accession to the Alliance or the emergence of new viable security

alliances with the countries of the region, which could potentially be formed as

a result of the post-war transformation of the international system. Ihor Todorov

examines the security aspects of international relations in Eastern and Central

Europe in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and describes

the features of the contemporary aggressive policy of the Russian Federation,

stressing that there is no evidence that the Russian authorities are considering

revising their approaches to relations with the outside world.



-





(including Ukraine and all Eastern and Central European countries as an integral

part of it) is capable of containing Russian aggression and punishing it for sys-

temic violations of international law.



However, there is still a lack of research dedicated to analysing the security

aspects of international relations in Eastern and Central Europe in the context

of the Russian-Ukrainian war. There is a need to complete the analysis taking

into account the principles of international relations theory regarding the main

factors and systemic tools of destabilisation of Ukrainian-Russian relations in

the security sphere, methodological approaches to the study of the security di-

mension in interstate relations under the conditions of foreign policy transforma-

tion of the countries of the world, and to accurately show the Russian factor in

the reinterpretation of the defence capabilities of Eastern and Central European

countries.

Findings and discussion

The Central and Eastern European region is in need of enhanced solidarity as



increased strategic resilience. The geographic location of the region makes it

crucial in matters of defence and countering hybrid threats. Russian military ag-

gression, cyber attacks, economic pressure and disinformation campaigns pose

I. Todorov, Bezpekovyi vymir mizhnarodnykh vidnosyn v Skhidnii ta Tsentralnii Yevropi

v konteksti rosiiskoi ahresii

 Bezpekovi vymiry heopolitychnykh initsiatyv u rehioni Tsentral-

no-Skhidnoi Yevropy



Vasyl Shynkaruk, Lidiia Shynkaruk, Oksana Zakhutska

serious challenges to national institutions and international cooperation. In order

to increase their resilience, states in the region should actively develop joint de-

fence initiatives and invest in technologies that enhance self-defence capabilities.

Craig Snyder argues that states form temporary alliances when they seek relative





A key condition for the stability

of Central and Eastern Europe is solidarity between states. An important tool



regional initiatives such as the Visegrad Group or the Trilateral Initiative. Only



-

logue will contribute to strengthening unity and trust among the countries of the

region, which in turn will become the basis for their sustainable development

and security in a changing global environment.

The security of international relations in Central and Eastern Europe in the



regional and global security architecture. The war has created new challenges for





-









freedom, but also for security in Europe, so aid must continue.



These words

point to the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in the face of

the threat posed by Russian aggression and the need to further mobilise resources

and strengthen defence and security cooperation in the region. Joint action by

allied countries is crucial for the stability and security of not only Ukraine, but

all of Europe.



important partners in strengthening regional security, advocating a tough policy

C. Snyder (ed.), Contemporary Security and Strategy, Macmillan, Basingstoke 1997,



 U Varshavi vidbulas zustrich ministriv oborony p’iaty krain: ish-

losia pro dopomohu Ukraini ta oboronnyi potentsial Yevropy, Radio Svoboda, 



html



Security Aspects of International Relations in Eastern and Central Europe

to contain Russia and playing an important role in securing Central and Eastern

Europe. Their geographical location on the border between the European Union









-

    -

al battalions to strengthen collective defence. In addition to the military aspect,



-

tributes to reducing dependence on Russian energy resources. The Baltic States

are actively implementing cyber security strategies to protect their information



ensuring not only the security of their borders, but also the stability of the entire

region.



-

ing collective defence by deploying additional troops in border countries and



to Ukraine by introducing new sanctions against Russia. The coordinated actions

of these structures contribute to stability, strengthen the defence capabilities of

the countries in the region and deter the aggressor. According to Oleh Ceben-

ko and Marta Senkalskaya, the alliance is interested in creating a safe and stable

environment in the region that fosters the development of democratic institu-

  

Strengthening the alliance’s presence in the region is an essential factor in guar-

anteeing security for some countries in the region, the stability of the EU and

 



   



  

stressed that we must maintain this level of support for as long as necessary

to ensure fresh funding every year. Stable, long-term support sends a signal





Ibidem.

Heneralnyi sekretar NATO v Ryzi





Vasyl Shynkaruk, Lidiia Shynkaruk, Oksana Zakhutska

The Russian-Ukrainian war has caused radical changes in the foreign poli-





taken a variety of forms in the global and local processes of power competi-

tion of modern times.



The proliferation of hybrid methods of warfare, the mi-





and Eastern European countries to be able to secure themselves against hostile



main threat is the aggressive policy of Russia, which has not only violated the

territorial integrity of Ukraine, but also undermined the stability of the entire

region. Hostilities, hybrid aggression, including cyber-attacks and disinforma-







one of the most serious threats to regional stability and security. These attacks

have a wide range of targets and methods, including the use of malware and

various ransomware programs, as well as other forms of cyber aggression.





second key threat is the destabilisation caused by the economic and human-

itarian impact of the war. Millions of Ukrainian refugees have sought refuge

in neighbouring countries, putting strain on social systems and infrastructure.





these challenges, the importance of international coordination and solidarity

is growing. The war has also accelerated the processes of Ukraine’s integra-

         

-



political and military support, from international partners.

 Svitohliadnyi sens suchasnoi viiny: sotsiohumanitarni aspekty

2024.



M. Bihus, O. Vos, Kiberbezpeka ta informatsiina viina: analiz suchasnykh zahroz ta init-

siatyv na skhidnomu anzi YeS ta NATO    

Ukraine and Transformation of International Security System.

Ukrainian Formula of Peace for New World Order. Proceedings of the international sci-

entic conference





Security Aspects of International Relations in Eastern and Central Europe



situation in Eastern and Central Europe (Table 1). It has become a catalyst

for new regional and global security challenges, strengthening alliances and

revising strategic priorities for ensuring the security of Eastern and Central

European countries in the context of Russian threats, namely: strengthening

the region’s defence capabilities, support for Ukraine (strengthening sanctions

against Russia), energy security (development of alternative energy sources),

cyber security and information protection, collective security and cooperation,

strengthening the protection of the EU’s eastern borders, economic stability

and sustainable social development.

Table 1. Geopolitical situation in Eastern and Central Europe in the context of the Russian-

-Ukrainian war

Country

Attitude

towards war

Military

support for

Ukraine

Economic

support for

Ukraine

Attitude

towards the

Russian

Federation

Geopolitical

role

Ukraine Defends itself

against Russian

aggression

Main parties



High level of

commitment

from allies



perceived as an

aggressor

Centre of



partner for



 Strongly sup-

ports Ukraine

Supply of arms,

training

High level of



humanitarian

assistance



to national security



in the region,

active di-

plomacy

Lithuania,

Latvia,

Estonia

Expresses

unequivocal

support for

Ukraine

Supply of arms,

technical as-

sistance

-

nomic support

Very negative,

historical threats

from the Russian

Federation

Strengthening

-



Germany Initially

cautious,

now more

active support

Supply of tanks,

air defence,

ammunition

-

nomic assistance



to reduce depen-

dence on Russian

energy resources

Leader in the

EU, key eco-

nomic partner

France Support for

Ukraine

Supply of arms,

technical as-

sistance

Economic aid,

political support



maintains commu-

nication channels



player in the



Hungary Ambiguous po-

sition, calls for

negotiations

Minimum mili-

tary support

Limited econom-

ic support

Moderately neutral,

dependence on

Russian gas



partner in

the EU



Vasyl Shynkaruk, Lidiia Shynkaruk, Oksana Zakhutska

Country

Attitude

towards war

Military

support for

Ukraine

Economic

support for

Ukraine

Attitude

towards the

Russian

Federation

Geopolitical

role

Czech

Republic and

Slovakia

Support for

Ukraine

Supply of mili-

tary equipment

Substantial eco-

nomic assistance



perceived as an

aggressor

Active position

in the region,

strengthen-



Belarus Russian Feder-

ation ally, use

of territory for

aggression

 Resource support

to the Russian

Federation

-

dence on Russian

Federation

Threat to re-

gional stability

Romania Support for

Ukraine Mili-

tary equipment

Supply of mili-

tary equipment,

strengthening of

air defence

Humanitarian

assistance

-

rity threat due

to proximity



Important

-

ner on the

Black Sea

Moldova Vulnerable

to pressure

from the Rus-

sian Federation,

support for

Ukraine

Limited Reception of

refugees, human-

itarian aid



about Transnistria

Threatened

by escalation

due to regional



Source: compiled by the authors.

-



has changed the world,” in which they highlighted the profound geopolitical,

economic and social changes caused by Russia’s war with Ukraine



. The Rus-

sian-Ukrainian war has become a key factor of destabilisation in Central and

Eastern Europe, leading to a rethinking of the security priorities of both indi-

vidual states and the region as a whole (Table 2). Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

violated fundamental principles of international law, including the territorial in-

tegrity and sovereignty of states, increasing the risk to neighbouring countries.





requested additional military support from the United States. In addition, the war

has catalysed the formation of new alliances and increased regional cooperation,

-



S. Coles, L. Rellstab, Seven ways Russia’s war on Ukraine has changed the world, Cha-

  



140

Security Aspects of International Relations in Eastern and Central Europe

of power in the international system, which discourages other states from chang-

ing the status quo.



At the same time, the Russian-Ukrainian war has created serious humanitarian



highlighted the importance of information security as an element of international

relations. Countering propaganda, disinformation and cyber attacks has become



war has exposed weaknesses in the functioning of international organisations,



future aggressions. All this underlines the importance of strengthening European



long-term strategies to strengthen stability and security in the region.

              



Category Description Examples/Facts Consequences

Military

security

Threat to the terri-

torial integrity and

sovereignty of states

in the region







Estonia



defence spending

Energy

security

Use of energy re-

sources as a tool of

pressure

Discontinuation of gas supplies

to the EU from Russia

Transition to alternative energy

sources, strengthening of EU en-

ergy independence

Economic

security

Impact of sanctions,

economic pressure

and trade restrictions

on the region



decline in trade between Rus-

sia and CEE countries

Reduction of economic depen-



economies to new conditions

Humanitarian

aspects

Crisis caused by

mass migrations, hu-

man rights violations

and war crimes

-

land, Slovakia, Hungary



social security systems in host

countries

The role of

international

organizations





on the stabilisation

of the region

-



assistance to Ukraine

Strengthening the role of inter-

national organisations in main-

taining peace and security

Regional

alliances and

cooperation

Deepening coopera-

tion between Central

and Eastern Euro-

pean countries for

common security





initiative

Creating new formats for re-

gional cooperation to counter

threats



 Theory of international politics

141

Vasyl Shynkaruk, Lidiia Shynkaruk, Oksana Zakhutska

Category Description Examples/Facts Consequences

International legal

aspects

Violation of inter-

national law norms

and sovereignty

principles

-

ued shelling of civilian facili-

ties in Ukraine



introduction of legal sanctions

against Russia

Information

security

Spread of propagan-

da, disinformation

and cyber attacks



hacking of regional govern-

ment websites

Developing strategies to counter



security

Source: compiled by the authors.

Ihor Todorov notes that strategic communication mechanisms are of key im-

portance in the context of the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation, pro-

viding activities aimed at building public support for the democratic system, the

principles of the rule of law, the rule of law, the protection of human rights, public

transparency and long-term democratic orientation in foreign policy.



Strategic

communication mechanisms in the context of the security aspects of internation-

al relations in Central and Eastern Europe are gaining importance in view of the

challenges posed by the Russian-Ukrainian war. In this region, strategic commu-

nication serves to consolidate allied positions, counter disinformation and build

-



policy towards Russia’s aggressive actions, including sanctions and support for

Ukraine. Information campaigns are also a tool for strengthening public support

for the policy of containment and assistance to Ukraine. A feature of strategic

communication in this context is the need to take into account the asymmetric

nature of threats. Russia is actively using the tools of hybrid warfare, including

propaganda, cyber attacks and manipulation of public opinion in neighbouring

states. The response of Central and Eastern European states is through proactive

measures, including the establishment of centres to counter disinformation and

promote facts at the international level. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, for exam-



aggression. A key element of these mechanisms is the emphasis on partnerships

with civil society and the media. Government agencies work with independent

-

ness of security threats. Such activities contribute to shaping a stable information

-

nication in Central and Eastern Europe not only ensures a coordinated response

I. Todorov, Bezpekovyi vymir

142

Security Aspects of International Relations in Eastern and Central Europe

to aggression, but also shapes a new security culture in the region. Since the be-



        -

tect the international order. Ukraine and Eastern and Central Europe have be-





have joined forces to implement sanctions and to provide arms and humanitarian

-



preservation of the basic principles of international law.

Central and Eastern European countries, with their own historical experience

of Soviet occupation, play a central role in this consolidation and are the most



others are actively lobbying for tough sanctions against Russia, providing mili-



response to aggression. The region has become not only the boundary between

-



to punish Russia for violations of international law and war crimes is an essential



implement sanctions and prepare international tribunals demonstrate the will

to restore justice and prevent similar crises in the future. The consolidation of



the formation of a new security architecture, recognising the integration of the

countries of Central and Eastern Europe as its intrinsic element.

Summary

The purpose of the article was achieved through an analysis of international



security aspects of international relations in Eastern and Central Europe, reveal-

ing weaknesses in the existing system of international law and collective security.

    

         

and territorial integrity of states. The response of the international communi-

ty, including the imposition of sanctions, military and humanitarian assistance



Vasyl Shynkaruk, Lidiia Shynkaruk, Oksana Zakhutska

-

bilising the region, although it also reveals their dependence on the consensus of

their members. The war has highlighted the need to reform international security

-

ber attacks and information warfare. Ukraine’s pivotal role in shaping Europe’s

new security architecture requires a review of existing legal instruments, with

a particular focus on deterring the aggressor and ensuring long-term peace. The

Russian-Ukrainian war has become a decisive challenge to the regional security

of Central and Eastern Europe and has demonstrated the vulnerability of the

countries of the region to the aggressive policies of Russia, which is seeking

-

ed the issue of territorial integrity, which has become a key issue for Ukraine

and a potential threat to other countries in the region. It has also increased po-

larisation among European states, forcing countries to reconsider their security

strategies. At the same time, the war has revealed the need for further integration

and improvement of the EU’s common foreign and security policy. In addition

to traditional military threats, the war in Ukraine has drawn attention to hybrid

methods. The energy dependence of some countries in the region on Russian gas

proved to be a major challenge, stimulating an active search for alternative ener-



of the region’s long-term security strategy.

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

 U Varshavi vidbulas zustrich ministriv oborony p’iaty krain:

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



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wojskowej państw trójmorskich    

na-armie-trojmorza-o-koniecznosci-bliskiej-wspolpracy-wojskowej-panstw-



Zacieśnianie relacji Ukrainy z Trójmorzem poprzez dotychczasowe formaty

współpracy wielostronnej w EŚW. Wnioski i rekomendacje   

Summary

-

-



The war has also triggered profound transformations in the foreign policies of regional

countries, particularly in strengthening military cooperation, enhancing defence capabil-

ities and reassessing energy security. The Central and Eastern European region requires

greater solidarity as it has found itself at the epicentre of contemporary geopolitical chal-

lenges that demand increased strategic resilience. The region’s geographical position



Vasyl Shynkaruk, Lidiia Shynkaruk, Oksana Zakhutska

makes it crucial for defence matters and countering hybrid threats. The authors conclude

that Ukraine plays a central role in shaping the security order of Eastern and Central Eu-



deterring Russia and protecting democratic values in the region. Moreover, international



for maintaining regional stability and security in Eastern and Central Europe.

146