ABSTRACT. The case study of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 offers scholars and policy makers alike the opportunity to consider the connections between gender equality, foreign policy, and feminist foreign policy in three ways. First, using a feminist (not just a gender) analysis to explore gender equality at the global level, but also at the state and local levels, is important and necessary. Second, the case study allows for an analysis of how the foreign policies of states supporting Ukraine are gendered. Finally, how a feminist foreign (and domestic) policy is needed around the globe in order to achieve global gender equality. This article explores the ways in which gender equality, gendered and gendering of foreign policy, and a feminist foreign policy are linked in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Keywords: feminist foreign policy; gender equality; Russia; Ukraine; women

How to cite: Williams, K. P. (2025). “Gender Equality, Feminist Foreign Policy, and the War in Ukraine,” Journal of Research in Gender Studies 15(2): 25–39. doi: 10.22381/JRGS15220252.

Received 25 October 2025 • Received in revised form 24 December 2025
Accepted 27 December 2025 • Available online 30 December 2025