Why so Soft? The European Union in Ukraine
Journal: Contemporary Security Policy
Year: 2015

In December 2014, the European Union (EU) launched its civilian mission in Ukraine, EU Advisory Mission (EUAM). Although the mission's main purpose is to mentor and advice Ukrainian officials on civilian Security Sector Reform, this article argues that EUAM's deployment was driven by a broader geopolitical logic, that is, to soft balance Russia. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in March 2014, international perceptions of Moscow's intentions turned increasingly ambivalent. Due to EU member