Since the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, Ukrainian democracy has advanced significantly, a process that has continued despite Russia’s nearly yearlong full-scale war. In parallel to its current military and humanitarian priorities, Ukraine has continued to improve its governmental institutions and democratic processes to prepare for a post-war environment which will see a torrent of potentially disruptive elections for parliament, president and local institutions. 

On February 8, USIP hosted a conversation on why supporting Ukraine’s democratic processes and institutions is pivotal for Ukraine to both win the peace for its own people and become a much-needed beacon of democracy for the regional neighborhood and beyond.

Continue the conversation on Twitter using #UkrainePeaceAfterWar.

Speakers

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

Anthony N. Banbury, introductory remarks 
President and CEO, International Foundation for Electoral Systems 

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

Kateryna “Katja” Smagliy
First Secretary, Embassy of Ukraine

Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch
Senior Advisor, Russia and Europe Center, U.S Institute of Peace & Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine

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

Related Publications

Why Georgians Are Protesting Against Russian Influence

Why Georgians Are Protesting Against Russian Influence

Thursday, March 23, 2023

By: Heather Ashby, Ph.D.;  Manon Fuchs

Earlier this month, the ruling Georgian Dream party withdrew proposed “foreign agent” bills that have been a source of contestation in the country, particularly over the last year. A diverse coalition of Georgians hit the streets to protest these bills, which they said would be a blow to Georgia’s democracy and undercut its efforts to be a candidate for European Union membership. Just as Ukrainians are resisting Russia’s illegal invasion, these Georgian protesters fear growing Russian influence in their country, which is already partly occupied by Russia. The bills’ collapse in the Georgian parliament revealed the power of civil society resistance and the continued fight within the country for European integration and democracy.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Democracy & Governance

The Latest @ USIP: NATO’s Strategic Adaptation to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

The Latest @ USIP: NATO’s Strategic Adaptation to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

By: Kurt Volker

When Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, NATO was already in the early stages of drafting its 2022 Strategic Concept. The war quickly overshadowed other issues, and NATO quickly adapted its strategic vision to refocus on the alliance’s primary mission of deterrence and collective defense. Kurt Volker, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, discusses how solidarity with Ukraine has united NATO in a way that hasn’t been seen in a long time and examines the threat Russia’s expansionist mindset poses to NATO member states.

Type: Blog

Conflict Analysis & PreventionGlobal Policy

What China's 'Peace Plan' Reveals about its Stance on Russia's War on Ukraine

What China's 'Peace Plan' Reveals about its Stance on Russia's War on Ukraine

Thursday, March 2, 2023

By: Carla Freeman, Ph.D.;  Mary Glantz, Ph.D.;  Andrew Scobell, Ph.D.

Despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — which marks a clear violation of international law — Moscow has enjoyed support from a number of countries. Foremost among these is China. Over the last year, Beijing has not supported Russia in U.N. votes, has refrained from providing Russia with weapons, and has publicly proclaimed neutrality. But China has also refused to condemn the invasion, often repeated the Kremlin’s talking points about the war, opposed sanctions against Russia and helped prop up its economy. On the anniversary of the invasion, China released what it had previewed as a peace plan, which really amounted to a statement of principles reflecting Beijing’s longstanding talking points about the war.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Global Policy

View All Publications