An international symposium on the information-security and peace-building measures that Ukraine is currently implementing and planning to undertake.

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, extending the attack begun nine years earlier, has severely undermined Ukrainian security and endangered Europe. The Russian war has impacted lives, democratic values, and the economy, especially gas, energy, and food markets, leading to massive migration. In response, Ukraine’s partners are actively coordinating to bolster the country’s national security. This involves military and humanitarian aid, training for the armed forces, financial support for the state budget, and collaboration with civil society. The collective goal is to uphold sovereignty, democratic principles, and regional stability. Yet the challenges are enormous.

This symposium seeks to facilitate a meaningful and productive exchange of ideas and experiences concerning two key topics: informational warfare and security, and the quest for lasting peace in Ukraine.

The first panel will focus on the topic of informational warfare in the Russian-Ukrainian war, discussing strategies and tools employed by Russia against Ukraine and Europe. The Ukrainian informational policy will be explored in relation to the dynamic stages of the war, highlighting key achievements and ongoing challenges.

Moderator:

• Nicholas Aylott, Head of the Europe Programme at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI), Associate Professor of Political Science at Södertörn University.

Speakers:

• Taras Shevchenko, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine on EU-Integration;
• Magnus Hjort, Director General, Psychological Defence Agency;
  Dmytro Zolotukhin, Informational policy expert;
• Maksym Yakovlyev, Head of the Department of International Relations of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Associate Professor;
• Ola Svenonius, Researcher and research Coordinator, Swedish Defence Research Agency;
• Alyona Hurkivska, Guest Researcher, Södertörn University.

The second panel will focus on the process of ensuring lasting peace in Ukraine. International experience of peace processes will be debated, including challenges for public authorities and civil society in the peace-building process.

Moderator:

• Johanna Mannergren, Associate Professor of Peace and Development Research, Södertörn University, Research Coordinator at CBEES.

Speakers:

• Erik Melander, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Uppsala University;
• Maksym Lepskyi, Professor of Philosophy, Zaporizhzhia National University;
• Mykhailo Minakov, Senior Advisor on Ukraine, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Kennan Institute;
• Sabine Freizer Gunes, Country Representative, UN Women in Ukraine.

For participation, please, register by the 5th of February 2024 (3:00 p.m. CET) External link, opens in new window.. After the registration, you will receive a confirmation of your participation with the Agenda.

The working language of the event is English. Simultaneous translation (English-Ukrainian) will be provided.