GGI Ukraine PROGRAMME

As a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine is confronted with unprecedented and fundamental challenges. These challenges not only have existential consequences for Ukraine's society but also carry wider repercussions for Europe and the broader global community. With the Ukraine Programme, GGI seeks to bring together emerging and established Ukrainian and international scholars, analysts and policy advisors to reflect on the cross-cutting themes of peace, security, resilience, integration and cooperation in Ukrainian, European and global context.

GGI’s Ukraine Programme will centre its efforts on the following priorities: 

Peace, Security and Reconstruction: planning for Ukraine’s post-conflict future, we examine core issues and processes related to Ukraine’s response to Russia’s war of aggression and scenario-based future developments.  This includes a comprehensive examination of lessons learned for shaping future peace, security, and defence policies, incorporating considerations such as the role of technology.  

Ukraine and the EU in a Global context: analysing the multifaceted relationship of Ukraine with the European Union, including Ukraine’s accession process to the EU, collaborative efforts in security and defence, economic relations, digital and green transformation, cooperation in the agricultural sector, etc. Furthermore, it takes a global perspective on the Ukraine-EU partnership, investigating developments concerning the United Nations, major powers, and various regions. 

Ukraine, NATO and Transatlantic Relations: in-depth reflections on the future of NATO-Ukraine relations, its current dynamic sand the broader transatlantic partnership. We explore various policy domains, including security and defence partnerships, diplomatic relations, and trade. Emphasis is also given to Ukraine’s endeavours in attaining complete interoperability with NATO, coupled with the valuable lessons and innovation insights Ukraine can contribute to the Alliance based on its experience in resisting Russia’s invasion in multiple domains. 

Societal Resilience, Democracy and Human Rights: exploring Ukraine’s proven resilience across diverse sectors and policy domains, drawing valuable lessons applicable to EU countries and future resilience strategies. The discussion extends to a thorough analysis of democratic reforms in Ukraine, specifically focusing on continuous initiatives to address corruption, reform the security sector, and implement other systemic measures. 

Higher Education Cooperation and Strengthening Future Leaders: zooming in on Ukraine’s Higher Education sector and its interaction with European and global educational institutions, encompassing programmes for scholars at risk and support mechanisms. This also includes training initiatives designed for recent graduates, diplomats, and members of civil society organisations to enhance understanding of Ukraine and its contemporary challenges.

Through enhancing global cooperation, the Ukraine Programme aspires to facilitate dialogue, establish networks, and nurture partnerships to foster more effective policies and solutions concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both in the present context and for future challenges. In advancing its mission, GGI cooperates with multiple education and think tank partners in Ukraine and beyond. 

For more information, please contact:
Vitalii Rishko
Coordinator
v.rishko@globalgovernance.eu

Fellows
Publications
Rushing to Peace, Racing to War: The Challenge of a Just Settlement
Thaddée Toulouse
In a high-stakes diplomatic visit to the United States last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented his "victory plan" to key American leaders, including President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump, now facing Mrs. Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Zelenskyy’s message was clear: Western countries must assist Ukraine in achieving peace on its own terms, despite mounting pressure from some allies to begin peace negotiations. These calls for diplomacy, though increasingly widespread, overlook a critical factor — the futility of a rushed peace deal without robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
Before the Peace Summit: Testing Multilateralism and Ukrainian Diplomacy
Vitalii Rishko
The long-awaited Peace Summit to explore the possibilities of resolving the Russia-Ukraine war will take place in Switzerland on the 15th-16th of June. The Peace Summit is the result of the Ukrainian government’s intensive diplomatic campaign for gathering support for its vision of long and enduring peace based on the United Nations Charter, international law, and justice. The Summit is expected to discuss the Ukrainian Peace Formula (UPF), introduced by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who articulated Ukraine’s perspective on the political-diplomatic settlement that could become a solution to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Peace Formula: content, evolution and diplomatic outreach
Vitalii Rishko
Entering its third year, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shifted into a war of attrition, diminishing the prospects of a swift diplomatic resolution any time soon. The multitude of peace proposals from different states, scholars and experts often resulted in neglecting the views and needs of Ukraine itself, thereby risking side-lining or overlooking a broader Ukrainian vision for peace and the post-war settlement.‍