At the moment, the priority for Ukrainians is to win the war against Russia. But to ensure victory in what comes next, Ukraine must strengthen its democratic practices so that it emerges from this conflict prepared for critical elections. Peter Erben, principal advisor and senior country director for Ukraine at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, discusses how an improved democracy is the key for Ukraine’s possible ascension to the EU, the importance of ensuring Ukrainians forced to leave their homes are able to vote in the next elections, and what the international community can do to help.

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Ambassador William Taylor on the Latest U.S. Aid to Ukraine

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Monday, April 29, 2024

The latest round of U.S. military aid to Ukraine will help halt Russia’s slow, grinding advance. But more long-term aid is needed to not only push back Russian forces, but to deter another future invasion, says USIP’s Ambassador William Taylor. “The only way that this war is going to end is for [Putin’s] cause … to end.”

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Ukraine’s New U.S. Lifeline: Why It’s Vital and What’s Next

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Thursday, April 25, 2024

This week’s U.S. approval of nearly $61 billion in funds for Ukraine’s defense is a lifeline in the Ukrainians’ struggle against Russia’s unprovoked invasion and the assault on peace and rule of law in Europe and beyond. Ukrainian troops have been rationing ammunition, their lack of defensive missiles has exposed Ukrainian cities to Russian aerial attacks — and many military analysts predicted a probable collapse on part of Ukraine’s eastern defensive lines. While this U.S. action boosts Ukrainians’ capacities and morale, ending this war will need further funds, forces and security measures for those fighting and suffering for their survival — and for the redemption of international peace through rule of law.

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Whither NATO at 75?

Whither NATO at 75?

Thursday, April 11, 2024

NATO marked its 75th anniversary last week at a celebration in Brussels. While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has injected the alliance with new life and resolve, the 32-member collective security pact is also wrestling with its future in a world of growing great power competition. In 2022, NATO formally identified for the first time China as a challenge to its interests and collective security. As NATO continues to support Ukraine and look to future global challenges, it also has internal issues to address, ranging from individual member defense spending to the problems posed by the need for collective decision-making among 32 members.

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Angela Stent on the Terror Attack in Moscow

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Monday, March 25, 2024

While ISIS has claimed responsibility for the devastating terror attack in Moscow, Putin has baselessly tried to shift the blame to Ukraine, says USIP’s Angela Stent: “[Putin] wants to use this to increase repression at home … and also to pursue a more aggressive path in Ukraine.”

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