Skip to content
Navigating a New Political Landscape: View real-time updates about the impact of and Northeastern’s response to recent political changes.
Apply
Stories

Vladimir Putin aimed to weaken western alliances. He is strengthening them instead.

People in this story

(AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)
Lawmaker applaude during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz' speech on the Russian invasion of the Ukraine during a meeting of the German federal parliament, Bundestag, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 27, 2022.

As Russian forces were approaching Kyiv, the European Union was making progress Tuesday on an extraordinary effort to hasten Ukraine’s application for membership. The unprecedented show of support followed an emotional speech to the EU by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is emerging as a leader on behalf of democracy around the world. “We are fighting to be equal members of Europe,” said Zelenskyy, as his translator relayed the message through tears. “Do prove that you are with us. Do prove that you will not let us go. Do prove that you are indeed Europeans, and then life will win over death and light will win over darkness.” “The EU will be much stronger with us,” he said.

The endorsement by presidents of eight member states to immediately make Ukraine a candidate for EU membership is proof that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion appears to be strengthening Western alliances, says Mai’a Cross, the Edward W. Brooke Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at Northeastern. “Putin has created a much stronger EU,” says Cross. “This was actually predictable.

Continue reading at News@Northeastern.

More Stories

Northeastern professor Brandon Welsh’s book Between Medicine and Criminology explores the history of the Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

New book from Northeastern professor looks at history of groundbreaking criminology study

05.12.2025
New Pope Leo XIV is introduced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on May 8, 2025. (Sipa via AP Images)

As an American, what kind of influence can Pope Leo XIV wield in the Catholic Church?

05.08.2025
Caution tape

Is a serial killer stalking New England? Northeastern experts say the evidence doesn’t add up

05.13.25
All Stories