Russia’s full-scale invasion has turned Ukraine’s EU accession into a test case for enlargement under wartime conditions. This article argues that Ukraine is shifting its accession towards a gradual model, in which sectoral integration ― including in security and defence ― advances alongside reforms rather than following full stabilisation. It shows how instruments such as the European Peace Facility, EUMAM Ukraine, and joint procurement enable this shift, highlighting the need for targeted EU governance reforms to keep enlargement feasible and sustainable.
Ukraine is currently in a situation where martial law is in force, part of its territory is occupied, state resources are directed towards the war effort, and full implementation of EU law across the whole territory is impossible
