Washington, DC: Ukraine Foundation’s Vice President Alex Luna Hosts Ambassador William Taylor at Ukraine House for Landmark Dialogue on Ukraine’s Future

Ukraine Foundation is proud to highlight a landmark public diplomacy event hosted by our Vice President for Cultural Diplomacy, Alex Luna (Oleksandr Tyshchenko), at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C., featuring a distinguished conversation with former United States Ambassador to Ukraine, Ambassador William B. Taylor Jr.

Held at Ukraine House—one of the most important centers of Ukrainian civic and cultural engagement in the United States—the event brought together members of the Ukrainian-American community, policy professionals, diplomats, and supporters of Ukraine for an evening dedicated to dialogue, reflection, and international solidarity. Ukraine House serves as a key platform for advancing understanding of Ukraine in the United States and fostering meaningful engagement between American and Ukrainian stakeholders.

As moderator and host, Alex Luna guided a thoughtful discussion with Ambassador Taylor on the evolving geopolitical landscape, the enduring importance of transatlantic cooperation, and the challenges and opportunities facing Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty and pursue its Euro-Atlantic future.

Ambassador Taylor, one of the United States’ most respected diplomats and long-standing advocates for Ukraine, offered valuable insights drawn from decades of experience in diplomacy, security policy, and U.S.-Ukraine relations. The discussion underscored the strategic importance of sustained international engagement and highlighted the resilience demonstrated by the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing aggression.

For Ukraine Foundation, the event reflected the organization’s broader commitment to strengthening international partnerships, advancing informed public discourse, and creating opportunities for constructive engagement between policymakers, experts, civil society leaders, and the Ukrainian diaspora. Through initiatives such as this, the Foundation seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of Ukraine’s strategic importance and the global implications of the war.

Alex Luna’s leadership in convening conversations of this caliber continues to demonstrate the important role that cultural and public diplomacy play in strengthening Ukraine’s international presence. As Vice President for Cultural Diplomacy, he has consistently worked to build bridges between Ukraine and its international partners through dialogue, advocacy, and cultural engagement.

Ukraine Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Ambassador William Taylor for his participation and to Ukraine House for providing a distinguished venue that continues to serve as a focal point for the Ukrainian community and its friends in Washington.

Prague: Ukraine Foundation’s Vice President Alex Luna Warns of Growing Nuclear Security Risks Across Ukraine

In a recent interview with the Czech publication Seznam Zprávy, Alex Luna (Oleksandr Tyshchenko), advisor to Ukraine’s National Commission for Radiation Protection and Vice President of Ukraine Foundation, outlined the increasingly fragile state of nuclear security in Ukraine amid Russia’s continuing campaign against the country’s critical infrastructure. His assessment was unequivocal: if the situation has not yet reached a critical point, it is approaching one. 

The interview focused on a reality often overlooked in discussions about the war. While public attention frequently centers on the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Ukraine’s nuclear security challenge extends far beyond a single facility. According to Tyshchenko, Russia’s long-range strike capabilities have effectively eliminated any notion of a safe geographic rear area. All four of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants remain vulnerable to attack.

Nuclear Security Is a European Security Issue

One of the key themes of the discussion was the inseparability of Ukrainian and European nuclear security. A major incident at any Ukrainian nuclear facility would not be confined by national borders. The consequences would affect neighboring countries, regional energy security, and public confidence across Europe.

Tyshchenko emphasized that modern nuclear infrastructure was designed to withstand accidents and technical failures—not sustained military attacks involving missiles, drones, and long-range precision weapons. The damage inflicted on the New Safe Confinement structure at Chornobyl illustrates this challenge. Built to safely isolate the destroyed reactor for generations, the structure was never intended to serve as a fortress against military strikes.

The lesson is significant. Nuclear safety standards developed in peacetime are now being tested in conditions for which they were never designed.

The Zaporizhzhia Challenge

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains the most visible symbol of the risks created by the war. Although all six reactors are currently shut down, the facility continues to require stable external power supplies to maintain cooling and essential safety systems. Repeated disruptions to these power connections remain a source of concern.

Tyshchenko noted that a failure of backup systems would not necessarily result in a repeat of the 1986 Chornobyl disaster. However, he warned that a severe accident could still create an environmental catastrophe whose consequences would be felt for decades and potentially extend beyond Ukraine’s borders. The exact impact would depend on meteorological conditions and the nature of the incident.

The discussion also addressed proposals occasionally advanced regarding international administration of the facility. Tyshchenko argued that the technical management of the plant is not the primary obstacle. The fundamental question is security: who can guarantee the safety of personnel operating a nuclear facility while one party to the conflict continues to conduct military operations against Ukrainian infrastructure? 

Nuclear Facilities as Instruments of Psychological Pressure

A particularly important aspect of the interview concerned Russia’s use of nuclear-related incidents as instruments of strategic signaling and psychological pressure.

Tyshchenko described attacks associated with the Chornobyl exclusion zone as acts of psychological terrorism intended to exploit the enduring emotional impact of the 1986 disaster. Any incident involving Chornobyl immediately attracts international attention and generates public anxiety far beyond Ukraine’s borders. According to his assessment, this effect is not incidental but forms part of a broader strategy aimed at shaping perceptions and influencing international responses.

This observation reflects a wider trend visible throughout the war: critical infrastructure is targeted not only for its operational value but also for its psychological and political impact.

Resilience Under Continuous Threat

The interview also addressed Ukraine’s preparedness for radiological and nuclear contingencies. Tyshchenko cautioned against unrealistic expectations. No large European country can be fully protected against a nuclear attack or entirely shield its population from such risks. Nevertheless, Ukraine has accumulated practical experience in protecting and operating nuclear infrastructure under conditions of sustained military pressure.

This experience is unprecedented in modern Europe. For more than four years, Ukrainian authorities, operators, and emergency services have had to manage nuclear facilities while facing regular missile and drone attacks from one of the world’s largest military powers.

Lessons for Europe

The broader lesson emerging from Tyshchenko’s assessment is that the war in Ukraine has fundamentally altered assumptions about nuclear security. Traditional safety models were built around technical failures, natural disasters, and industrial accidents. They were not designed around the deliberate targeting of nuclear-related infrastructure during a major interstate conflict.

As Europe debates energy security, resilience, and defense preparedness, Ukraine’s experience demonstrates that nuclear security can no longer be treated as a purely technical matter. It has become an integral component of national security, critical infrastructure protection, and strategic deterrence.

The risks facing Ukraine’s nuclear sector are therefore not solely Ukrainian risks. They are a warning about the vulnerabilities that modern societies must address in an era where military, technological, and psychological dimensions of conflict increasingly overlap.

Washington & Orlando: “Chaplain (Here I Am)” Premieres in Orlando, Advancing Ukraine’s Cultural Diplomacy Through Faith and Resilience

On May 2, the short film Chaplain (Here I Am) has its U.S. premiere at the International Christian Film Festival in Orlando. This powerful film, shaped by the realities of war, faith, and human endurance, offers international audiences a unique and moving perspective on Ukraine’s ongoing struggle.

Co-produced by our Vice President for Cultural Diplomacy, Alex Luna, Chaplain (Here I Am) is a prime example of how Ukraine is increasingly using cultural storytelling as a strategic tool. Through its narrative, the film conveys the moral and human dimensions of the Ukrainian experience—offering a deeper, more personal view of the nation’s resilience.

At its heart, Chaplain (Here I Am) follows the transformation of profound personal loss into a calling for service. The story centers on a chaplain, emphasizing the importance of presence over answers. It portrays faith not as an abstract concept but as a lived experience of solidarity during the most challenging moments. The film is part of a larger movement in Ukrainian cinema that focuses on intimate, human-centered stories, adding emotional and ethical depth to the often-dominant geopolitical discourse.

The International Christian Film Festival, a leading platform for values-based cinema, offers an ideal setting for a film that explores themes of suffering, meaning, and hope. Its universal messages resonate far beyond Ukraine’s borders, highlighting the global relevance of the country’s journey.

“This film is about the power of presence in the face of loss. In Ukraine today, chaplains stand where words often fall short. Through this story, we aim to convey not just grief, but the quiet strength that enables hope to endure.”

After its premiere in Orlando, Chaplain (Here I Am) has been showcased in Washington DC, including a special screening at the Ukrainian House. These screenings reinforce the film’s role not only as a cinematic work but as a tool for cultural dialogue within diplomatic and policy circles.

In this pivotal moment for Ukraine, Chaplain (Here I Am) demonstrates the vital role of culture in amplifying the nation’s voice on the global stage—articulating the resilience, dignity, and enduring search for meaning that transcends the battlefield.

Kyiv: Alex Luna Discusses Chaplain (Here I Am) and the Power of Culture in War on Ukrainian Radio

In a recent interview on Ukrainian Radio, the national public broadcaster operated under Suspilne, Alex Luna discussed the creation of Chaplain (Here I Am) and the broader role of culture in shaping Ukraine’s narrative during wartime.

The conversation situated the film within the lived reality of Ukraine, where loss, resilience, and faith have become defining elements of the national experience. Luna emphasized that Chaplain (Here I Am) is not a conventional war story but rather an exploration of the human and spiritual dimensions that arise in its aftermath.

“This is not a film about answers. It is about presence—standing with people in their most difficult moments, when words are no longer enough.”

Focusing on the figure of the military chaplain, the film portrays a form of service grounded in empathy and moral responsibility. In doing so, it reflects a broader shift in Ukrainian storytelling, where the focus is increasingly moving from battlefield events to the inner lives of those affected by war.

During the interview, Alex Luna also stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy as a strategic pillar in Ukraine’s international engagement. As both an artist and VP of Cultural Diplomacy at the Ukraine Foundation, he highlighted how film, music, and visual storytelling can convey aspects of the war that remain inaccessible through policy discourse alone.

“Culture allows us to speak a universal language. It creates understanding where statistics and reports cannot—because it connects people through shared human experience.”

The conversation also touched on the international journey of Chaplain (Here I Am), including its upcoming presentation at the International Christian Film Festival in Orlando. Luna framed the film’s participation as part of a broader effort to bring Ukraine’s voice to global audiences through values-based platforms that address questions of meaning, suffering, and hope.

As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty, the interview highlighted a parallel front—one where culture plays a critical role in shaping perception, building empathy, and reinforcing international solidarity.

Through projects like Chaplain (Here I Am), Ukraine’s cultural figures are not just documenting history—they are helping the world understand its human significance.

Listen to the full interview here:

Kyiv: Strategic Resilience Forged by Adversity Offers Lessons from Dr. Nicholas Krohley and Dr. Bogdan Chiriac

In a recent contribution to Euromaidan Press, co-authored by Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow, Irregular Warfare and Human Dimension of Conflict, Dr. Nicholas Krohley and Romanian analyst Dr. Bogdan Chiriac, a stark and timely argument emerges: over the past two decades, Russia has unintentionally forged a far more resilient, adaptive, and strategically capable Ukraine—an outcome Europe should not assume it can replicate.

Krohley and Chiriac advance a thesis that is both counterintuitive and compelling. Through sustained pressure, coercion, and ultimately full-scale war, Russia has forced Ukraine into a process of accelerated national hardening. This transformation spans military capability, institutional adaptability, civil society mobilization, and psychological readiness. What began as a post-Soviet state navigating internal challenges has, under existential threat, evolved into a battle-tested nation with a uniquely integrated model of resistance.

This evolution did not occur overnight. Its roots lie in Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity, when Ukrainian society demonstrated its capacity for mass mobilization and democratic self-assertion. Since then, successive phases of Russian aggression—from hybrid warfare to full-scale invasion—have acted as a brutal but effective catalyst for reform, innovation, and cohesion.

The authors emphasize that Ukraine’s advantage lies not only in battlefield experience, but in a whole-of-society adaptation. Ukrainians have learned to operate under constant threat, integrate civilian and military efforts, and innovate rapidly in response to evolving challenges. The population has internalized that this is not merely a territorial conflict, but an existential struggle for national survival—sharpening decision-making and aligning national purpose in ways that few European societies have yet experienced.

By contrast, Dr. Krohley and Dr. Chiriac warn that Europe risks misunderstanding the nature of this transformation. The “gift” Ukraine received—if it can be called that—was forged through extreme adversity, sustained pressure, and the necessity of survival. It cannot be easily replicated through policy frameworks, defense spending increases, or peacetime reforms alone. Without similar urgency, European societies may struggle to achieve the same level of cohesion, readiness, and strategic clarity.

The implication is not that Europe should seek crisis, but that it must recognize the limits of incrementalism. Ukraine’s experience demonstrates that resilience is not built solely through planning, but through the alignment of institutions, society, and purpose under pressure. The challenge for Europe is to internalize these lessons before it faces similar tests.

For Ukraine Foundation, this analysis reinforces a core conviction: Ukraine is not only defending itself, but shaping the future of European security. Its hard-earned resilience offers critical insights—but also a warning. Strength born of necessity cannot be outsourced, and time remains the most decisive variable.

Kyiv: Watch our Vice President, Dr. Mariya Heletiy, interviewed on Suspilne about Hungary’s Elections, Zelenskyy’s Visit to Germany, and EU Decision-Making

In a recent interview on Suspilne, Dr. Mariya Heletiy shared her insights on the elections in Hungary, the significance of President Zelenskyy’s visit to Germany, and the evolving decision-making processes within the European Union. She emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, highlighting how shifting political dynamics across Europe could impact the EU’s strategic direction. Dr. Heletiy also addressed the challenges of maintaining coherence in foreign policy within the EU, especially as the geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly complex.

A key takeaway from Dr. Heletiy’s comments was the recognition that expectations of political change—whether within individual member states or at the EU level—often do not lead to immediate or substantial shifts in policy. What truly matters, she argued, is the capacity of European leaders to move beyond mere declarations and demonstrate collective action that supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.

Tsarevets: Alex Luna and Ukraine Foundation Mark Five Years of War as Tsarevets Shines for Ukraine’s Resilience

On 24 February, Bulgaria’s national landmark, the medieval Fortress of Tsarevets, rose above Veliko Tarnovo in blue and yellow — a monumental tribute marking five years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine at the request of our Vice President, Cultural Diplomacy, Alex Luna, who also serves as Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights with a mandate focused on Bulgaria.

At 19:00, the ancient citadel — one of Bulgaria’s most powerful national symbols — was transformed into a vast canvas of light. Initiated by the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo at the request of Alex Luna, Vice President for Cultural Diplomacy at Ukraine Foundation and Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights with a long commitment to Bulgaria, the illumination stood as a public declaration of solidarity, resilience, and shared European values.

That evening, Tsarevets was no longer only a monument of the past — it became a beacon visible across the city skyline, commanding attention and embodying unity against aggression.

Reflecting on the symbolism of that evening, Alex Luna shared a compelling message:

“When the lights of history shine in the colours of Ukraine, it tells a story of freedom and hope — that the spirit of a nation endures, and that we are not alone in our pursuit of peace.”

His words resonated with many who gathered and were shared widely on social media, echoing sentiments of solidarity and mutual respect.

Local leaders also spoke at the event. The Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo remarked:

“By illuminating Tsarevets with the colours of the Ukrainian flag, we express our deep respect and steadfast support for the Ukrainian people — their resilience, their courage, and their pursuit of peaceful self-determination.”

This gesture was mirrored in other Bulgarian institutions that evening, with public buildings including the National Assembly and the Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria also lit in Ukrainian blue and yellow.

“What Alex achieved at Tsarevets — transforming an entire fortress into a beacon of solidarity — carries the same emotional force as when, standing alone at the centre of Arena Lviv, he began the national anthem a cappella and an entire stadium rose to follow him in unison during the finale of the Ukrainian Cup Final — thousands of voices becoming one heartbeat for Ukraine.” — Louis L. Voiron

Bulgaria’s continued support for Ukraine is reflected in official statements and actions across political and civil society spheres. On the anniversary of the anniversary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, democratic future, and territorial integrity, noting the shared European values at the heart of that partnership.

For Ukraine Foundation, the illumination of Tsarevets was more than a visual spectacle. It demonstrated how cultural diplomacy can transform historic landmarks into powerful symbols of contemporary solidarity — ensuring that remembrance becomes action, and that solidarity becomes visible to the world.

London: Ukraine Foundation Advisory Board Member Dr. Maryna Vorotnyuk Featured on RUSI’s Global Security Briefing Podcast

Ukraine Foundation is pleased to highlight the participation of Advisory Board Member Maryna Vorotnyuk in a special bonus episode of Global Security Briefing, produced by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). The podcast, ranked number one in the Government category on Apple Podcasts, convenes leading security experts to assess the prospects for peace in Ukraine four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Recorded during a RUSI event held on 24 February 2026, the discussion brings together Dr. Vorotnyuk alongside Neil Melvin, Matthew Savill, and Jonathan Eyal. The panel offers a rigorous examination of the strategic, political, and military factors shaping potential pathways toward peace, grounded in both battlefield realities and broader geopolitical dynamics.

In her intervention, Dr. Vorotnyuk emphasizes Ukraine’s security imperatives and the centrality of credible deterrence, international unity, and long-term commitments to European security. Her contribution underscores that any sustainable peace must be anchored in Ukraine’s sovereignty, accountability for aggression, and robust guarantees against renewed conflict.

Ukraine Foundation welcomes Dr. Vorotnyuk’s continued engagement with leading international policy platforms and commends RUSI for fostering informed, high-level debate on one of the defining security challenges of our time.

New York: Our International Advisory Board Member Ambassador Pierre Andrieu Publishes New Research with Asia Society on China’s Strategic Calculus in the Ukraine War and the Shaping of Post-Conflict Order

Ukraine Foundation proudly highlights groundbreaking research authored by our International Advisory Board Member, Ambassador Pierre Andrieu, on the strategic role of the People’s Republic of China in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its implications for future global order.

The study, “China’s Strategy in the Ukraine War and Shaping the Post-Conflict Order,” published by the Asia Society Policy Institute, offers a comprehensive assessment of Beijing’s geopolitical calculus amid one of the defining crises of the early 21st century.

Ambassador Andrieu’s research underscores that China’s approach to the Ukraine war cannot be understood simply through a binary lens of support or opposition. Instead, Beijing’s strategic positioning reflects a long-term vision aimed at preserving its interests, shaping the contours of post-war governance, and advancing its broader aspirations within the evolving international system. The paper argues that China currently has limited incentives to promote an immediate ceasefire, largely because its leverage over Russia remains constrained and because prolongation of the conflict can serve China’s geopolitical strategy.

Crucially, the research challenges dominant narratives about China’s potential role as a neutral mediator. It identifies structural limitations in China’s ability to influence Russian decision-making, even as it continues to frame itself rhetorically as a proponent of dialogue and diplomacy. This analytical clarity brings into focus Beijing’s nuanced balance between maintaining strategic ties with Moscow and avoiding actions that would provoke significant diplomatic or economic backlash from Western partners.

The paper extends its inquiry beyond immediate wartime dynamics to explore how China envisions its role in shaping a post-conflict order. It contends that Beijing seeks to leverage the war’s geopolitical disruption to recalibrate global influence, particularly by positioning itself as an indispensable stakeholder in future peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts. This ambition reflects China’s broader strategic aim to redefine global governance norms in ways that align with its political and economic interests.

Ambassador Andrieu’s contribution to the field builds on his established scholarship on great-power politics, international security, and the strategic interplay between authoritarian and democratic systems in the contemporary geopolitical landscape. His analysis offers policymakers, civil society, and academic communities a vital framework for understanding how major powers navigate complex conflicts and how those choices will influence the architecture of global peace and stability in the decades ahead.

Ukraine Foundation commends this research for its depth, analytical rigor, and strategic foresight. We believe this work will prove indispensable for stakeholders engaged in navigating the multifaceted challenges of the Ukraine war and preparing for the political, economic, and security imperatives of the post-conflict era.

Washington: How Could the War in Ukraine End? Our New Senior Fellow Professor Edward Salo Explores Its Strategic Implications for the Global Balance of Power

In a recent analysis published in The National Interest, Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow Professor Edward Salo examines one of the most pressing geopolitical questions of our time: how the war between Ukraine and Russia might ultimately end—and what that outcome could mean for the global balance of power.

Rather than focusing solely on military developments on the battlefield, Professor Salo places the conflict within a broader strategic framework. Wars of this scale, he argues, rarely conclude without reshaping international politics. The trajectory of the conflict, and the way it eventually ends, may influence not only the security of Eastern Europe but also the structure of the international system itself.

The Risk of a Prolonged Stalemate

A central possibility explored in Professor Salo’s analysis is the emergence of a prolonged stalemate. Despite intense fighting and significant losses on both sides, neither Ukraine nor Russia may achieve a decisive military breakthrough capable of bringing the conflict to a clear conclusion. Instead, the war could evolve into a grinding confrontation in which front lines stabilize while political and economic pressures accumulate.

Such an outcome would have far-reaching consequences. Sustaining a long war requires continuous political support, military resources, and economic resilience. While Ukraine has demonstrated extraordinary determination in defending its sovereignty, its ability to sustain military operations depends heavily on continued assistance from Western partners.

Over time, however, governments in Western democracies may face growing domestic pressures. Elections, shifting political priorities, and public fatigue with prolonged conflict could gradually weaken the level of support provided to Ukraine. If political consensus in Western capitals erodes, the scale and consistency of military and financial assistance could decline, potentially altering the strategic balance of the conflict.

Professor Salo notes that this dynamic is not unusual in extended wars. Democracies must constantly reconcile foreign policy commitments with domestic political realities, and prolonged conflicts often test the durability of that balance.

China’s Potential Diplomatic Role

Within this context, Professor Salo highlights the possibility that China could seek to expand its global influence by positioning itself as a diplomatic mediator in the conflict.

Rather than participating militarily, China could leverage diplomacy to facilitate negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow if the war reaches a point where both sides are seeking a way to end hostilities. By hosting or sponsoring peace talks, Beijing could present itself as a responsible global power capable of shaping major international outcomes.

Such a diplomatic role would carry important symbolic and strategic benefits. Acting as a broker of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could enhance China’s international standing and demonstrate its capacity to influence the resolution of one of the most consequential conflicts of the twenty-first century.

At the same time, China’s involvement would reflect broader geopolitical ambitions. By engaging in conflict mediation, Beijing could strengthen its narrative that global leadership is becoming more distributed and that international diplomacy should not be dominated exclusively by Western institutions or alliances.

Toward a More Multipolar World

Salo suggests that the long-term outcome of the war could accelerate the emergence of a more multipolar international system. If Western unity weakens over time while China expands its diplomatic influence, the global balance of power could gradually shift away from the post–Cold War model of Western predominance.

In this scenario, China’s role in facilitating or shaping a negotiated settlement could symbolize the arrival of a more complex geopolitical environment in which several major powers exert influence over international affairs. The conflict in Ukraine would thus become not only a regional struggle but also a turning point in the evolution of global power structures.

For Russia, the consequences of the war are also likely to be profound. Years of intense combat and international sanctions have already placed heavy pressure on its economy and military capabilities. Regardless of how the war ends, Russia may emerge from the conflict weakened, facing the challenge of rebuilding its forces and redefining its position in the international system.

Implications for Ukraine and the International Order

For Ukraine, the stakes remain existential. Any negotiated settlement must ensure that the country’s sovereignty and long-term security are preserved. A cease-fire that merely freezes the conflict without addressing underlying security concerns could leave Ukraine vulnerable to renewed aggression in the future.

More broadly, the outcome of the war will influence the credibility of international norms regarding territorial integrity and the prohibition of aggressive war. The way the conflict concludes will send signals to other states about the effectiveness of collective responses to violations of sovereignty.

A Conflict with Global Consequences

Professor Salo’s analysis underscores that the war in Ukraine cannot be understood solely through the lens of regional security. Its outcome will shape the broader geopolitical landscape for years to come.

Whether the conflict ends through military developments on the battlefield or through diplomatic negotiations, the consequences will extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders. The war is already redefining alliances, testing the resilience of democratic support for long-term security commitments, and opening new avenues for emerging powers to influence international diplomacy.

As Ukraine continues its struggle to defend its independence, the strategic decisions made by governments around the world will play a crucial role in determining not only how the war ends, but also what kind of international order emerges in its aftermath.

Washington: Discover Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow, Dr. Nicholas Krohley’s Foreign Policy’s Article on Civilian Resistance in Ukraine

In this landmark article, Dr. Nicholas Krohley, our Senior Fellow for Irregular Warfare and the Human Dimension of Conflict, explored the evolving nature of civilian resistance in the face of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. His research offers deep insights into how everyday Ukrainians, including women and decentralized networks, are shaping resilience and resistance in occupied territories. 

In “Ukrainian Civilians Are Pioneering the Art of Resistance,” he examines how nonviolent and grassroots movements have adapted to the brutal conditions of occupation, asserting agency in ways that complement Ukraine’s broader defense strategies. His analysis highlights the emergence of novel civil society responses —from digital organization to symbolic and material acts of dissent— underscoring the central role of societal initiative in sustaining Ukraine’s national will and undermining Russian control.

Drawing on detailed examples and narratives from occupied regions, Dr. Krohley’s piece sheds light on lesser-known facets of resistance that have significant implications for understanding modern conflict dynamics, the role of women in resistance movements, and the potential for civilian networks to influence both strategic outcomes and international perceptions of the war.  

As the war enters its fourth year, his scholarship fosters a richer appreciation of the complex interplay between armed struggle and civil resistance. 

Ukraine Foundation celebrates his important contribution to global discourse on conflict, resilience, and the power of civic agency in times of crisis, and encourages our community to read the full article on Foreign Policy and engage with the ideas it presents as part of our ongoing efforts to deepen understanding of Ukraine’s struggle and the diverse forms of resistance that sustain it.

Washington: Listen to our International Advisory Board Member John Pennell in the latest episode of The Trident, a podcast by the U.S. Naval War College’s National Warfare Center (NWC) and the Center for Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups (CIWAG).

In Season 3, Episode 2, titled Assessing Russia’s Actions in Ukraine and Syria, 2014-2022: Implications for the Changing Character of War, Dr. John Pennell, author of the book on the same subject, joins co-host Dr. Heidi Lane and host Dave Brown for an in-depth discussion.

The episode explores Russia’s strategic approach to warfare, focusing on its combination of political warfare, military tactics, influence operations, and strategic objectives across both Ukraine and Syria from 2014 to 2022.

Dr. Pennell’s book delves into the evolving nature of Russia’s conflict engagements and their broader implications for the future of warfare. As they analyze these two significant case studies, the conversation sheds light on how state actors are adapting their strategies in the face of modern challenges. This episode, produced by the David A. Brown Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups, offers critical insights into the shifting landscape of irregular warfare and its global impact. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives from leading experts in the field.

Kyiv: Ukraine Foundation’s Vice President Alex Luna Discusses Ukraine’s Path to Nuclear Innovation with The Hon. Anatoly Kostyukh, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Safety of Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s National Parliament

In a landmark interview conducted by Alex Luna on censor.net with Anatoly Kostyukh, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Safety of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s evolving strategy on small modular reactors (SMRs) was brought into sharp focus. As the country accelerates its transition toward resilient and innovative energy systems, SMRs have emerged as a key pillar of strategic energy policy, blending security, sustainability, and technological progress.

Anatoly Kostyukh outlines Ukraine’s realistic and cautious approach to the future deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). He stresses that SMRs are viewed not as an immediate solution, but as a strategic medium- to long-term component of Ukraine’s energy system.

Kostyukh explains that while SMRs offer clear advantages — enhanced safety, flexibility of placement, and potential suitability for replacing coal-fired generation — the technology is not yet commercially mature, either in Ukraine or globally. As a result, any practical implementation will depend on international experience, proven designs, and the successful completion of licensing and regulatory processes.

A central theme of the interview is nuclear safety and regulation. Anatoly Kostyukh underscores that Ukraine will not compromise on safety standards and that SMRs must meet the same rigorous oversight requirements as conventional nuclear facilities. He highlights the importance of adapting Ukraine’s legal framework to new technologies while maintaining full alignment with international nuclear safety norms.

The interview also places SMRs within the broader context of post-war reconstruction and energy security. Kostyukh notes that Ukraine is exploring how future nuclear solutions could support industrial recovery, stabilize regional power supply, and contribute to decarbonization, particularly as aging thermal power plants are phased out.

Overall, the conversation presents SMRs as a promising but still emerging technology, one that requires careful planning, strong regulation, and international cooperation. Ukraine, Kostyukh concludes, is preparing the groundwork today to ensure that when SMRs are ready for deployment, the country will be institutionally, legally, and strategically prepared to adopt them responsibly.

Kherson: Ukraine Foundation Announces New Scholarly Article by The Hon.Viacheslav Kredisov on Strategic Management in Times of War with the Kherson Economic and Legal Institute

Ukraine Foundation is pleased to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed scientific article co-authored by Viacheslav Kredisov, Ukraine Foundation’s Distinguished Senior Fellow, and Nova Formatsia’s President, together with Anastasia Olishevska and Vasyl Mykolaichuk of the Kherson Economic and Legal Institute. The article, titled “Crisis and War as Factors of Strategic Management Transformation: Ukraine in a Global Context,” is now available to the academic and policy community.

Set against the backdrop of global instability and Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the article offers a rigorous examination of how crisis and war reshape the very logic of strategic management. The authors argue that in wartime conditions crisis ceases to be a temporary disruption and instead becomes a permanent mode of organizational functioning. As a result, conventional strategic planning models lose much of their predictive value, giving way to adaptive, dynamic approaches centered on resilience, stability, and the rapid recalibration of management decisions.

The study is grounded in empirical evidence drawn from national business surveys and key indicators of business activity, including the Ukrainian Business Index (UBI) and the Index of Business Activity Expectations (IOD). The authors identify a striking divergence between subdued current business performance and increasingly adaptive expectations among enterprises, pointing to a deep internal transformation of strategic thinking under conditions of extreme uncertainty. Particular attention is paid to sectoral differences, which generate distinct trajectories of strategic adaptation across the economy.

A core contribution of the article is the development of a multilevel conceptual model that integrates macro-, meso-, and micro-level management perspectives. This framework explains how crisis and military factors drive the transformation of management logic and strategic tools, offering both theoretical insight and practical guidance. The findings have direct relevance for organizational leaders and policymakers seeking to design adaptive strategies that enhance strategic stability during wartime and support sustainable post-war recovery.

Viacheslav Kredisov is Doctor of Economics (PhD in Economics) and a leading Ukrainian scholar and practitioner in the field of strategic management. His contribution to this research reflects Ukraine Foundation’s commitment to advancing evidence-based analysis that informs leadership, resilience, and long-term reconstruction in Ukraine.

Ukraine Foundation encourages readers to engage with the research and share their reflections on this highly timely and relevant contribution.

Oxford: Exploring Constitutional Governance: Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow Dr. Vasyl Hostyuk on landmark jurisprudence Khilko v Zelenskyi

Our Senior Fellow, Dr. Vasyl Hostyuk, brings deep expertise in Ukrainian and international law to some of the country’s most consequential legal developments. In his recent analysis of the Khilko v Zelenskyi case, Vasyl examines the first-instance judgment that navigates complex constitutional questions within Ukraine’s legal framework.

Published in the International Law in Domestic Courts (ILDC) database by Oxford University Press, this case commentary showcases Dr. Hostyuk’s ability to connect Ukraine’s domestic legal processes with broader principles of international law. His research highlights how constitutional disputes in Ukraine reflect the ongoing evolution of governance, rule of law, and the checks and balances that are central to a democratic state.

By unpacking the Khilko decision, Dr. Hostyuk provides both scholars and policymakers with critical insights into the interaction of national law, executive authority, and judicial review —an area increasingly relevant as Ukraine continues to strengthen its democratic institutions and legal structures.

New York: Read the latest publication with Asia Society of our International Advisory Board member, Ambassador Pierre Andrieu on China-Russia Relations since the Start of the War in Ukraine.

In his August 20, 2025 Asia Society report “China-Russia Relations Since the Start of the War in Ukraine,” our International Advisory Board Member, Ambassador Pierre Andrieu, Senior Fellow at Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, scrutinizes how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has accelerated Sino-Russian cooperation -particularly through the rapid deepening of trade, sanctions circumvention, and the poignant asymmetry of the relationship despite the “no-limits” rhetoric that preceded the conflict.

China-Russia Relations Since the Start of the War in Ukraine – August 20, 2026

Kyiv: Watch our Vice President, Dr. Mariya Heletiy, interviewed on Suspilne about the Abu Dhabi negotiation processs

In her latest interview with Suspilne, Ukraine’s national broadcaster, our Vice President, Policy, Dr Mariya Heletiy assesses the Abu Dhabi peace talks between Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. representatives, which, while characterized as constructive, underscored the persistent structural gaps between the parties. Incremental progress was limited to technical matters, with fundamental disagreements—most notably over occupied territories and long-term security guarantees—remaining firmly entrenched. Ukrainian officials have indicated that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would consider a direct meeting with President Vladimir Putin only if substantive conditions are established in advance, reflecting Kyiv’s view that high-level engagement must be the consequence, not the catalyst, of meaningful negotiation progress as hostilities continue.

Warsaw: Watch our International Advisory Board Member, Dr. Maryna Vorotniuk’s Insights on European Security at a Turning Point

In a recent interview on Slawa TV, our International Advisory Board member and esteemed expert on Black Sea security, Dr. Maryna Vorotniuk, offered a timely and incisive analysis of the shifting dynamics in European and global security. Dr. Vorotniuk, whose work spans regional foreign policy, Russian-Ukrainian relations, and broader international security issues, underscored the profound transformations underway as traditional security architectures face mounting strain in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

During the conversation, Dr. Vorotniuk highlighted how longstanding assumptions about transatlantic security cooperation are being tested. Drawing on current developments, she outlined that European security structures are under pressure as the United States recalibrates its strategic focus, creating both challenges and openings for European partners and Ukraine alike. While Washington has historically anchored collective defense in Europe, recent shifts have contributed to a sense that the continent must increasingly articulate and assume its own strategic responsibilities in the face of Russian aggression and broader global competition. 

Dr. Vorotniuk emphasized that this evolving landscape is not simply a matter of military posture, but also of political will and strategic coherence. She stressed the critical importance of strengthened European unity, deeper integration of Ukraine into Euro-Atlantic frameworks, and sustained cooperation among democratic partners to deter revisionist forces and uphold the rules-based order. Her assessment tied regional security outcomes directly to the future of international norms and the preservation of democratic values across the Euro-Atlantic space. 

This interview reflects Dr. Vorotniuk’s deep engagement with pivotal security debates and underscores how Ukraine Foundation’s network of experts contributes rigorous analysis to global discourse at a moment of heightened strategic uncertainty. 

Paris: Ambassador Andrieu Gives Landmark Interview to Le Monde

Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience and extensive scholarly work, Ambassador Andrieu explains that although Moscow and Beijing proclaim their ambition to build a new, “extra-Western” world order, their strategic partnership is far from equal. China’s rise as a consolidated economic and technological power, combined with Russia’s growing international isolation and dependence, has created what he calls a decisive asymmetry: for the first time in modern history, Russia has become the junior partner—if not the vassal—of China.

He situates this transformation in its historical context. While the 1950s alliance placed a then-weakened China in ideological and material dependence on the Soviet Union, Beijing never accepted the constraints of that unequal relationship. Today, the dynamic has been reversed. China is projecting long-term strategy and global ambition; Russia, weakened by its war of aggression against Ukraine and cut off from Western markets, is increasingly reliant on Chinese energy purchases, industrial goods, and political cover.

This does not amount to a formal alliance. As Ambassador Andrieu stresses, the Russia–China partnership remains pragmatic, transactional, and marked by lingering distrust. Their visions of world order differ, and divergences persist beneath the narrative of “friendship without limits.” Yet the relationship is sufficiently robust for Beijing to extract structural advantages that will shape Eurasian geopolitics for decades.

For Ukraine and its partners, this analysis is critical. It underscores that Russia’s strategic room for manoeuvre is narrowing, that its dependence on China is deepening, and that Eurasia’s geopolitical future will increasingly be defined by Beijing’s calculations rather than Moscow’s ambitions. Understanding this imbalance is essential for designing long-term strategies that strengthen European security and support Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Ambassador Andrieu’s expertise -developed as Senior Fellow on China–Russia relations at the Asia Society and through his academic work, including Géopolitique des relations russo-chinoises (PUF, 2023)- is an invaluable contribution to the Foundation’s mission. At a moment when global power dynamics are being reshaped, his insights help illuminate the constraints, risks, and opportunities that lie ahead.

For China, Russia has become its junior partner or even its vassal – August 20, 2026

Kyiv: Watch our Distinguished Senior Fellow, The Hon. Viacheslav Kredisov’s latest interview on Suspilne

Viacheslav Kredisov, Ukraine Foundation’s Distinguished Senior Fellow and Nova Formatsia’s founding Chairman, recently appeared on Suspilne TV to discuss the Government of Ukraine’s decision to approve the implementation procedure for the Medical Guarantees Program for 2026, for which more than UAH 191.6 billion has been allocated in the state budget.

During the discussion, he examined the program’s key updates, its implications for access to affordable medicines, the practical steps for patients, and the broader effectiveness of public policy mechanisms in ensuring that medical guarantees reach Ukrainian citizens.

Miami: Dr. Iryna Andrukh Moderates Key Panel at the 28^th Global Family Office Investment Summit

On November 20, 2025, Dr. Iryna Andrukh represented the Ukraine Foundation at the 28th Global Family Office Investment Summit held in Miami, Florida. The annual summit — a premier gathering of global family office principals, institutional investors, and strategic advisors — convened senior leaders to explore long-term capital allocation, geopolitical risk, and emerging opportunities at the intersection of private capital and global security.

At the summit, Dr. Andrukh served as the moderator of the high-profile session titled “The Future of Peace Will Be Written by Those Who Invest in Defense.” The panel brought together thought leaders and investment decision-makers to examine the evolving economic and strategic dimensions of national and collective defense in an era marked by geopolitical fragmentation and rapidly shifting risk landscapes.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Andrukh underscored the profound implications of current global security dynamics for family office investment strategies. She emphasized that private capital — when harnessed with a long-term horizon and aligned with enduring values — can play a constructive role in supporting resilience, deterrence, and reconstruction efforts. Drawing on Ukraine Foundation’s mission to mobilize global private-sector leadership in support of a free and prosperous Ukraine, she highlighted Ukraine’s role as both a frontline defender of European security and a future locus for economic renewal and institutional strengthening.B

The moderated discussion explored how family offices and strategic investors are adapting governance frameworks, risk-adjusted return expectations, and impact metrics in response to geopolitical instability. Panelists shared insights on opportunities in defense innovation, dual-use technologies, supply chain resilience, and public-private collaboration — illustrating how capital can be a force multiplier for stability, preparedness, and long-term growth.

Dr. Andrukh’s leadership at the session resonated with attendees seeking to better understand how investment stewardship intersects with global peace and security. Her participation at the 28th Global Family Office Investment Summit further reinforces the Ukraine Foundation’s commitment to fostering dialogue between private capital and mission-driven initiatives, and advancing partnerships that contribute both to global security and sustainable economic transformation.

Washington: Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow Nick Krohley Publishes in War on the Rocks on AI, Intelligence, and Ground Truth

We are proud to highlight the latest publication by our Senior Fellow, Irregular Warfare and Human Dynamics of Conflict, Dr. Nicholas Krohley, in War on the Rocks. In his commentary, “Anchoring Intelligence: Ground Truth in an Age of Synthetic Deception,” Dr. Krohley examines how the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and emerging agentic AI capabilities are transforming the information environment and challenging traditional understandings of military intelligence.

Dr. Krohley argues that while AI‑enabled platforms promise unprecedented speed and precision in processing battlefield data, they remain fundamentally dependent on the quality of their inputs. Without structured, human‑generated “ground truth,” even the most advanced systems risk producing a distorted picture of reality — especially as adversaries leverage synthetic content and automated disinformation at scale. To address these challenges, he calls for a two‑pronged response: developing machine‑based defenses against synthetic deception and, crucially, ensuring that human‑sourced insights are systematically integrated into analytical workflows to anchor AI analysis in the real world.

This publication draws on Dr. Krohley’s deep expertise at the intersection of intelligence, conflict dynamics, and the evolving role of AI in security environments. His work underscores the enduring importance of human judgment and ground‑level insight amidst rapid technological change — a theme that resonates with our Foundation’s commitment to rigorous, context‑aware analysis in support of Ukraine’s defense and broader democratic security.

Read the full article on War on the Rocks and join the conversation on how emerging technologies are reshaping strategic realities.

Geneva: Ukraine Foundation’s Vice Chairman, Louis L. Voiron Addressed the Geneva Forum

On December 11, our Vice Chairman Louis L. Voiron adressed the Geneva Forum, an event held since 2001 across UN headquarters and institutions throughout the city, to help chart new paths for sustaining International Geneva’s mission through innovative partnerships and deeper private-sector engagement.

In his intervention, “Geneva’s Relevance in an Age of Empire: Pragmatic Steps Toward Peace in Ukraine,” he reflected on how today’s geopolitical landscape is shaped less by competing visions within a shared order and more by the return of imperial logic -an evolution with profound implications for Ukraine’s security. He argued that, in a moment when global fragmentation is becoming increasingly plausible, Geneva offers unique assets for pragmatic diplomacy, including its neutral ground, convening power, and capacity to incubate concrete pilot projects that can anchor trust.

Ukraine Foundation is grateful to the Geneva Forum for hosting Ukraine Foundation, to FAGI and to the Swiss Confederation for their steadfast support in hosting this important gathering. Their commitment ensures that Geneva remains not only a historic center of multilateralism, but a living engine for creative, solutions-oriented engagement at a time when it is urgently needed.

Kyiv: Watch our Distinguished Senior Fellow, Dr. Viacheslav Kredisov, interviewed on Штаб.info about the demographic challenges facing Ukraine

Beginning at 9:20, Viacheslav Kredisov presents an analysis of Ukraine’s wartime labour market, highlighting structural imbalances and the growing pressures facing businesses and the state. Ukraine today faces a challenging demographic situation, marked by declining birth rates, rising mortality, and the departure of millions of citizens abroad. These trends were already forming during peacetime but have been sharply accelerated and exacerbated by the war.

The two-part documentary explores Ukraine’s population crisis in depth, addressing acute migration, public health, workforce shortages, and systemic challenges in education. It examines how these factors are reshaping the labour market and undermining long-term economic resilience. The evidence-based program also features expert commentary from Oleksandr Gladun, Deputy Director of the Institute of Demography and Social Research; Tetyana Govorun, Head of the Department for the Organization of Service Provision at the Kyiv City Employment Center; as well as managers and business owners operating in Ukraine during the war.

Ivano-Frankivsk: Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow for Irregular Warfare and the Human Dimension of Conflict, Dr. Nicholas Krohley, addressed a high-level conference on the protection of critical infrastructure

The event was organized by a broad coalition of Ukraine’s leading national institutions working at the intersection of security, governance, and resilience. Key organizers include the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada Committees on Energy and on Environmental Policy, the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection (DSSZZI), the State Emergency Service (DSNS), the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development, and the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine—alongside prominent academic institutions from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic.

The event was organized by a broad coalition of Ukraine’s leading national institutions working at the intersection of security, governance, and resilience. Key organizers include the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada Committees on Energy and on Environmental Policy, the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection (DSSZZI), the State Emergency Service (DSNS), the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development, and the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine—alongside prominent academic institutions from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic.

This collaborative format brought together government leaders, security experts, emergency-response agencies, research universities, and international partners to address one of the most strategic challenges facing Ukraine: how to strengthen national resilience in an era of hybrid threats and systemic instability.

Nick Krohley contributed to the discussion by examining how European countries structure societal resilience within the “total defense” paradigm, comparing centralized, state-driven frameworks with more decentralized, bottom-up approaches led by civil society and the private sector. His intervention explored practical pathways for Ukraine to build a durable culture of resilience through cross-sectoral cooperation and international experience.

We are proud to support this important platform for dialogue at a moment when reinforcing resilience across all layers of Ukrainian society has never been more vital.

We look forward to publishing a detailed summary of key take-aways from the event and how these may be applied to advancing Ukraine’s economic resilience.

Brussels: Ukraine Foundation’s Alex Luna Appointed Advisor to Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets

Ukraine Foundation is pleased to announce that our Vice President for Cultural Diplomacy, Alex Luna, has been appointed Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, with a dedicated mandate to enhance cooperation with the Republic of Bulgaria. Confirmed on 17 October during official engagements involving Bulgaria’s parliamentary representation at the European Parliament, this appointment underscores the growing importance of close human rights coordination between Kyiv and Sofia.

In this role, Alex Luna will help drive key initiatives to protect the rights of Ukrainians residing in or displaced by the war to Bulgaria. His efforts will focus on strengthening advocacy, ensuring accountability for war crimes, advancing the return of deported children, and reinforcing cooperation with the Bulgarian government and civil society institutions to keep Ukraine’s human rights priorities high on both the national and European agenda.

Ukraine Foundation President Louis Voiron commended the appointment as an important step forward in amplifying Ukraine’s voice in European human rights dialogues. “Alex’s leadership, vision, and tireless commitment to the Ukrainian people make him uniquely suited for this vital responsibility,” he stated. “We are grateful for his dedicated service to Ukraine, and confident that his work will further deepen the bonds of solidarity and shared democratic values between Ukraine and Bulgaria.”

This milestone highlights Ukraine Foundation’s growing role in advancing international partnerships that protect human dignity and support Ukraine’s path toward a secure, just, and European future.

Doha: Watch our International Advisory Board Member, Dr. John A. Pennell, commenting to Al Jazeera on the Alaska Summit

Warsaw: Watch our Vice President, Dr. Mariya Heletiy, interviewed on TVP World about European air defense and support for Ukraine

Berlin: Read the latest publication with CATS Network of our European Advisory Board member, Dr. Maryna Vorotnyuk, on Ukraine–Turkey Strategic Partnership in Security and Defence.

Dr. Maryna Vorotnyuk, a leading expert within the CATS Network and a member of Ukraine Foundation’s European Advisory Board for Black Sea Security, examines how Ukraine and Turkey have emerged as key strategic partners in navigating the rapidly shifting European security landscape. Her latest paper underscores the depth of their cooperation in defence and the shared objective of countering Russia’s destabilising aggression. Turkey’s role as a growing contributor to European security — and as a potential mediator and security guarantor for Ukraine — is highlighted as central to sustaining regional stability. Vorotnyuk emphasises that Ukraine sees this partnership not only as a response to the ongoing war, but also as a long-term foundation for a resilient security architecture across the Black Sea.

Yet, as her research notes, the path to full convergence is not without challenges. Different threat perceptions, Ankara’s pursuit of strategic autonomy from the West, and its complex security ties with Moscow continue to limit the partnership’s full potential. Vorotnyuk argues that deeper alignment between Turkey and Europe will be essential to unlocking the transformative promise of this bilateral relationship. With both Kyiv and Ankara serving as critical eastern outposts for European security, she concludes that reinforcing their strategic defence dialogue today will shape the future order of the Black Sea region and its contribution to a secure Europe.

Ukraine-Turkey Strategic Partnership in Security and Defence – June 26, 2025

Bern: Louis Voiron represented Ukraine Foundation at the Ukraine Forum, held on 23 September in Switzerland’s Federal Palace

Organized with the participation of the Swiss Federal Assembly, the Ukrainian Society of Switzerland, and partner institutions, the Forum gathered policymakers, parliamentarians, diplomats, journalists, business leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss Ukraine’s resilience, security challenges, democratic future, and European integration.

The event featured welcoming addresses by Maja Riniker, President of the National Council of Switzerland, and Iryna Venediktova, Ambassador of Ukraine to Switzerland, followed by contributions from Swiss and Ukrainian members of Parliament, senior analysts, and leading media voices. Louis Voiron’s presence underscored the Ukraine Foundation’s commitment to fostering dialogue and building enduring partnerships in support of Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and cultural exchange.

TVP World, UATV, National Public Broadcasting Suspilne, Freedom TV, Kyiv24 News: Watch Dr. Mariya Heletiy’s latest media appearances

Washington: Check out the latest media appearances of Ukraine Foundation’s International Advisory Board Member John Pennell

John Pennell on Russia’s Actions in Ukraine and Syria in The Cognitive Crucible by the Information Professionals Association – September 16, 2025

In the episode, Dr. John Pennell explores how Russia’s use of irregular warfare and information operations has evolved across Ukraine and Syria from 2014 to 2022, arguing that Russia has increasingly blended kinetic, cyber, influence, and hybrid tactics to shape outcomes. He discusses how the information environment has become a key domain in contemporary conflict, emphasizes the growing role of non-state actors (like criminal syndicates) in amplifying Russia’s messaging, and calls for better public literacy about information threats, more research into how adversaries adapt their strategies, and more integration between scholars, policymakers and practitioners in responding to this more complex character of war.

John Pennell on “Did Syria Prepare Russia for Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine?” in At the Boundary by the Global and National Security Institute of the University of South Florida – August 11, 2025

In the “Did Syria Prepare Russia for Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine?” episode of At the Boundary, Dr. John Pennell discusses how Russia leveraged its 2015 intervention in Syria as a proving ground for techniques later applied in Ukraine. He argues that operations in Syria allowed Moscow to test tools like drones, electronic warfare, information campaigns, and proxy forces under real combat conditions. Dr. John Pennell traces how Russia adapted those hybrid warfare methods—initially developed in the Syrian context—to the conflict in Ukraine, especially in its early phases (Crimea, Donbas), emphasizing plausible deniability, disinformation, and local proxies. He also highlights the importance of understanding this operational lineage for NATO, the U.S., and partners as they seek to counter Russia’s evolving toolkit.

Geneva: Ukraine Foundation’s International Advisory Board Member Ambassador Pierre Andrieu Commenting In Le Temps that Putin Now Plays the Junior Partner to Xi

In an interview with Le Temps dated 2 September 2025, French diplomat Pierre Andrieu stressed that the balance of power between Moscow and Beijing has shifted decisively: Vladimir Putin is no longer the leading partner in this relationship, but increasingly dependent on Xi Jinping’s China.

Ambassador Andrieu notes that while Russia still offers energy resources, military weight, and geopolitical disruption, these assets are outweighed by China’s economic might, global influence, and strategic patience. For the first time in their shared history, Moscow’s leader stands in the “shadow of his big brother” Xi. This dynamic reflects not only the growing asymmetry between the two regimes but also the limits of Russia’s ability to independently shape the international order amid its ongoing war against Ukraine.

Lviv: Ukraine Foundation’s Vice President for Cultural Diplomacy Alex Luna Leads the National Anthem Before the Final of the 2025 Ukrainian Football Cup.

Our entire teams at Ukraine Foundation were filled with immense pride to watch our Director of Cultural Affairs, Alex Luna, delivering a powerful a cappella performance of “Ukraine’s Glory Has Not Perished,” the national anthem, leading the entire Arena Lviv stadium at full capacity in unison on the opening of the Final of the 2025 Ukrainian Football Cup on May 24.

Princeton & West Point: Dr. Mariya Heletiy Publishes “The Balkans Model and Conditions for Peace in Ukraine” in the Irregular Warfare Initiative of Princeton University and the Modern War Institute At West Point

We are proud to share the latest contribution from Dr. Mariya Heletiy, whose new article has been published by the Irregular Warfare Initiative, a joint project of Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict and the Modern War Institute at West Point.

In “The Balkans Model and Conditions for Peace in Ukraine,” Dr. Heletiy draws on the experience of the Balkan conflicts to analyze the irregular warfare nature of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and what it means for peace-building. Her analysis offers a sobering but necessary perspective: that peace in Ukraine cannot be built on traditional negotiations alone.

Using the backdrop of Russia’s repeated violations of ceasefire agreements -most recently its broken “Easter truce”- Dr. Heletiy argues that today’s hybrid conflicts require more than diplomatic handshakes. The war in Ukraine spans far beyond the battlefield, touching diplomatic, informational, economic, humanitarian, and military fronts. As she points out, ceasefires in irregular conflicts often serve less as a path to peace and more as a pause for regrouping and rearming.

Drawing lessons from the Balkans, Dr. Heletiy proposes that irregular warfare tools -such as economic pressure, information campaigns, and unconventional tactics- must be part of any comprehensive strategy for sustainable peace. Her article warns against the false comfort of conventional approaches that do not account for the ideological drivers, asymmetries, and non-state actors that continue to shape today’s conflicts.

We encourage everyone interested in peace and security in Ukraine and beyond to read Dr. Heletiy’s full piece, which brings deep insight and strategic clarity to one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Kyiv: Alex Luna Honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk.

On 12 June 2025, our Vice President for Cultural Diplomacy, Alex Luna, was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to cultural diplomacy.

Together with acclaimed photographer Vladyslav Krasnoshchek and international supermodel Snizhana Onopko, Alex Luna has been at the forefront of Somnia Disaster—a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition that highlights the ongoing dangers of the Chernobyl disaster and its symbolic and strategic manipulation in the context of the war against Ukraine. The exhibition has already been showcased in the Parliaments of Ukraine and Bulgaria, raising critical awareness among lawmakers and the public alike.

As Somnia Disaster prepares to continue its journey to Prague, the Ukraine Foundation reaffirms its commitment to bringing this vital exhibition to all 27 national parliaments of the European Union—a symbolic and strategic effort to strengthen cultural ties and support Ukraine’s path to EU membership.

Washington: Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow, Economic Tradecraft & Transatlantic Relations, Dawson Law Briefs Global Experts on U.S. Sanctions Strategy at ISECS 2025.

Our Senior Fellow, Economic Tradecraft & Transatlantic Relations, recently participated in the annual fall event of the International Sanctions and Export Control Society (ISECS), held in Washington, D.C. on 21 October 2025.

During the event, Dawson Law delivered the update on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s sanctions-policy portfolio, drawing on his experience as the former U.S. Treasury Representative to the United Kingdom and his prior role with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

His presentation focused on the evolving sanctions and export-control landscape -including the interplay between U.S. economic-security tools and transatlantic cooperation- and highlighted implications for states and jurisdictions facing heightened geopolitical risk.

For Ukraine Foundation, Dawson Law’s engagement at ISECS underscores our commitment to connecting Ukraine’s security and resilience agenda with global regulatory and compliance forums. The insights he gathered will inform our ongoing work on economic-statecraft and export-control strategy.

We look forward to publishing a detailed summary of key take-aways from the event and how these may be applied to advancing Ukraine’s economic resilience.