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Expanding Ukraine’s Democratic and Electoral Progress During War

Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023 / Time: 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

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Amid Russia's full-scale invasion, the timing of future Ukrainian elections has recently come into the spotlight of international and Ukrainian media. Regular, competitive, free and fair elections are fundamental pillars of resilient democracies across the world — but can the same be said for democracies facing a full-scale invasion?  

On October 26, USIP, in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and the National Endowment for Democracy, hosted a discussion on refortifying Ukraine's democratic and electoral foundations. The conversation delved into the key steps Ukraine can undertake now to prepare for free and fair elections once Russia’s invasion ends, while also addressing strategies for Ukraine to safeguard itself against disruptive Russian disinformation narratives targeting its democracy and the postponement of elections.

Speakers

Lise Grande, opening remarks
President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace

Ambassador Oksana Markarova, welcoming remarks
Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States

Ambassador William Taylor, moderator
Vice President, Russia and Europe Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

Olga Aivazovska
Board Chair, OPORA

Peter Erben
Global Principal Advisor and Senior Country Director for Ukraine, International Foundation for Electoral Systems

Damon Wilson, closing remarks 
President and CEO, National Endowment for Democracy 

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