Washington: Ukraine Foundation leads the charge to foster constructive engagement over the Ukrainian Week in Washington, D.C.

This pivotal week brings together key stakeholders to amplify dialogue on Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and democratic resilience. Our Vice President Alex Luna led direct engagements with select members of Congress including Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL). Along with our International Advisory Board member, Lt Col. (Ret.) Dr. Iryna Andrukh, he had a warm and thoughful exchange with H.E. Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna.

This collaborative approach aims to ensure Ukraine’s priorities are effectively communicated to policymakers and decision-makers, reinforcing the global partnership and support for Ukraine’s future.

Alex Luna, who also serves as Advisor to the Chief Negotiator and Ombudsman of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, and to the Chairman and Acting Head of Ukraine’s Space Agency, Volodymyr Mikheyev, had an impactful meeting with representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Department of State, the Office of Space Commerce, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Along with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Iryna Andrukh and several members of Ukraine Foundation’s team, Alex Luna discussed a number of policy issues where the United States and Ukraine could strengthen their bilateral relationship.

The Foundation does not engage in lobbying activities per se and remains committed to a non-partisan approach that encourages productive, informed discussions, focused on advancing shared interests and strengthening international partnerships.

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.

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. 

New York: Read the article of Vasileios Chaskis, Ukraine Foundation’s Fellow, International Negotiations, in Foreign Affairs: “The Perfect Circle of Chinese Foreign Policy at the Ukrainian War”

In Issue 83 (August–September 2023) of Foreign Affairs (Hellenic Edition), titled The World Beyond Ukraine, Ukraine Foundation’s Research Fellow on International Negotiations, Vasileios Chaskis, contributes a thought-provoking article, “The Perfect Circle of Chinese Foreign Policy at the Ukrainian War.” In this analysis, Chaskis explores how Beijing has positioned itself throughout the war in Ukraine, arguing that China’s stance is neither accidental nor ambiguous, but part of a deliberate and carefully calibrated grand strategy.

Vasileios Chaskis examines how China has managed to maintain what he metaphorically describes as a “perfect circle” in its foreign policy: a balanced, self-reinforcing approach that protects its strategic interests on multiple fronts. On the one hand, Beijing has avoided openly condemning Russia, preserving its strategic partnership with Moscow and reinforcing a shared interest in counterbalancing Western influence. On the other hand, China has refrained from direct military involvement and has been careful not to trigger secondary sanctions that could jeopardize its economic relations with Europe and the United States. This dual approach reflects a sophisticated diplomatic equilibrium rather than indecision.

The article further highlights China’s effort to present itself as a responsible global actor and potential mediator. Through peace proposals and carefully worded diplomatic initiatives, Beijing seeks to project neutrality and constructive engagement, while subtly promoting principles aligned with its long-term geopolitical vision, such as multipolarity and respect for state sovereignty—concepts that also serve its own strategic narratives. According to Chaskis, this positioning allows China to expand its diplomatic capital in the Global South and portray itself as an alternative pole of stability in a shifting international system.

Ultimately, Vasileios Chaskis argues that the war in Ukraine is not merely a regional conflict for Beijing, but a testing ground for its broader ambitions in the evolving global order. China’s “perfect circle” is a strategy designed to maximize flexibility, preserve economic resilience, and gradually enhance its global influence without incurring the costs of direct confrontation. By situating China’s behavior within the wider transformation of international power structures, the article offers valuable insight into how Beijing perceives both the war itself and its own role in shaping the world beyond it.

“The Perfect Circle of Chinese Foreign Policy at the Ukrainian War” – Foreign Affairs (hellenic edition), The World Beyond Ukraine, Issue 83, August-September 2023

Paris: Ukraine Foundation’s International Advisory Board Member in Le Monde

Ukraine Foundation highlights the latest analysis by Ambassador Pierre Andrieu, member of our International Advisory Board and one of Europe’s foremost specialists on Eurasian geopolitics. In an interview published by Le Monde, he offers a clear and uncompromising reading of the shifting balance within the Russia–China relationship -an evolution with profound implications for European and global security.

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.

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.