February 24 marks two years since the beginning of Russia’s wider invasion of Ukraine and ten years from Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. Ukrainians have fought valiantly against the brutal onslaught, but two years on from the full invasion, Kyiv is facing equipment and manpower shortages — along with wavering international support for additional military and financial aid.

On February 27, USIP and the Atlantic Council hosted a discussion with former U.S. ambassadors to Ukraine and Russia analyzing the current battlefield situation, the importance of Western aid and the disastrous consequences that would result without it, and what can be done to secure Ukraine and its democracy long term.

Continue the conversation on social media using the hashtag #UkraineUSIP.

Speakers

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

Denys Sienik, opening remarks
Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Ukraine

Ambassador John Herbst
Senior Director, Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council; Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine

Ambassador Steve Pifer
Senior Fellow, Brooking Institute; Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine

Ambassador John Tefft 
Distinguished Chair, Diplomacy and Security, RAND Corporation; Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia

Ambassador Marie “Masha” Yovanovitch
Senior Advisor, Russia and Europe Center, U.S. Institute of Peace; Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine

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

Related Publications

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

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

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.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

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.

Type: Question and Answer

Global Policy

Angela Stent on the Terror Attack in Moscow

Angela Stent on the Terror Attack in Moscow

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.”

Type: Podcast

War and the Church in Ukraine

War and the Church in Ukraine

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Vladimir Putin’s war to reverse Ukraine’s independence includes religion. For centuries, the Russian Orthodox Church bolstered Moscow’s rule by wielding ecclesiastical authority over Ukrainian churches. Since early 2019, Ukraine has had a self-governing Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Russia’s invasion has sharpened tensions between it and the rival branch historically linked to Moscow. Any conciliation between them could shrink areas for conflict — and the Kremlin’s ability to stir chaos — in a postwar Ukraine. It would bolster Ukraine’s future stability and reinforce a decline in Russia’s historically massive influence across the Orthodox Christian world. But can Ukrainians make that happen?

Type: Analysis

Religion

View All Publications