BERLIN, April 5. /TASS/. Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine has already caused three main consequences: ‘awakening’ of the EU, ‘resurrection’ of NATO and cohesion of the Ukrainian nation, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in an interview for Die Welt, published Tuesday.

"It [operation] has caused awakening on three directions. First, it has reinforced the Ukrainian nation," Le Drian said. "Second, it has led to an awakening inside the EU."

According to the top diplomat, "Europe has asserted itself as a power, remained united and proved that it can swiftly make even long-reaching decisions."

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister emphasized that this is not the same Europe that was before the Russian operation in Ukraine.

According to Le Drian, the EU decided to put an end to its energy dependence from Russia and to reinforce its defenses, by approving the first defense strategy of the Union - the EU Strategic Compass - and by establishing its rapid response forces.

"And, last but not the least: the war has also resurrected NATO," Le Drian concluded.