Ukrainian Central European Forum (UCEF)  is a discussion platform bringing together prominent thinkers and pundits from all over the region to spot common challenges and craft common visions for a prosperous Central European future.

The prospects for tighter economic integration with the EU have always been the glue keeping the Eastern Partnership together, disregarding existing political agenda differences

"Ukrainian factor", a decisive joint counteraction to Russian aggression, which poses a security challenge to the entire system of international law, can also serve as a catalyst for a historical reconciliation between regions, fostering further technological and economic progress.

One of the key questions facing NATO on the eve of the 2023 Vilnius summit is whether to offer Ukraine security guarantees, while Ukraine insists that it should be given a clear path to membership.

In an attempt to explore the key trends in the political discourse, and the rationale of the opponents of the earliest possible integration of Ukraine into NATO, the Ukrainian Prism team interviewed experts, former diplomats, and officials from seven NATO member states

Spain's presidency of the Council of the EU will take place under circumstances that are of crucial importance for Ukraine not only in the light of Russian aggression, but also Ukraine's advancement towards membership in the European Union.

Wagner has gained increasing media attention in the last months due to its growing role in Russia’s war in Ukraine, especially in the frontline battles in the east of the country. How Wagner came about, who is behind it, and how its goals and strategy have evolved since its founding in 2014, are the questions addressed by this report.

Assessment of promotion and enhancing reforms process by the EU in the countries of the Eastern Partnership within priority “Together for resilient, gender-equal, fair and inclusive societies”

This report sums up the result of an opinion poll conducted in Ukraine and 7 countries of Central Europe in October 2022. 

The European Union remains a major partner for EaP countries in promoting digital transformation processes. This includes providing financial support for reform implementation through various projects and providing access to EU funding instruments, as well as promoting legislative improvements and innovations in digital sector.

There is a lot of noise, myths and legends surrounding the "Wagner" mercenaries. Let's try to figure out what or who is actually behind them, what is the real role of Prigozhin and what is the "PMK" capable of in the confrontation with the Ukrainian army.

European Green Deal: how do Eastern Partnership states respond to the EU Standards? Strengthening energy security and nuclear safety: overcoming dependencies

The implementation of the Strategy of Foreign Policy of Ukraine needs adjustment on the part of small alliances.

Assessment of promotion and enhancing reforms process by the EU in the countries of the Eastern Partnership within priority “Together for accountable institutions, the rule of law, and security”

The understanding of the concept of a feminist foreign policy remains quite limited in Ukraine today. It is mostly narrowed down to gender equality in the diplomatic service.

Commemorating one year of the Big War “Ukrainian Prism” experts suggest 12 lessons that Ukraine and the world should learn from these 12 months.

Чи достатні та адекватні кроки ЄС у сфері оборони, щоби зупинити агресора та забезпечити перемогу і спокій на континенті?

The rapid changes necessitated by the Russian aggression made the member states re-evaluate many of the provisions, and renegotiate the new Strategic Concept 2022 within an extremely short period. 

The policy paper is an outcome of collaborative research project about the Black Sea Security among scholars from Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

The research is part of the research project “Strengthening analytical decision-making capabilities in the field of foreign policy with the help of civil society” is being implemented with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation Representation in Ukraine in 2022

This commentary by Hanna Shelest looks at the future of Europe's security architecture after the Russia-Ukraine war.

With the Russian blockade of the Black Sea and rapprochement in Ukraine-Romania and Ukraine-EU/NATO relations, there is a new window of opportunity to boost such cooperation, including long-term perspectives.

The states of the Black Sea basin are in a particular position in the context of Russian aggression. For geographical reasons and history, Russia seeks to maintain the region’s political and economic leadership.

The expectations of the founding countries are not vain due to the high potential of the region which by area represents almost a third of the European Union and is home to 111 million people.

In recent years, the United States has begun to pay more and more attention to Romania in the context of its own interests in Central and Eastern Europe.

At this difficult time, we consider it our duty not only to fight on the information front, disseminating reliable and well-founded information and expertise about Russia's war against Ukraine, but also to help our country and the city avoid a humanitarian crisis.

A weekly video digest of russian war crimes in Ukraine

Тепер кожен українець розуміє вислів, що друг у нужді – це дійсно друг. Ось як ви дійсно можете допомогти

(Українська) Позачергові дайджести #щотамусусідів. Реакції найближчих до України країн на напад Росії.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched an offensive against Ukraine simultaneously in the north, east and south of the country. Thus, Russian troops expanded their temporary occupation of Ukrainian territories, which began in 2014. Millions of Ukrainian citizens, including indigenous peoples and national minorities, found themselves in the temporarily occupied territories. In the following blog […]

Energy for unbreakable Chernihiv

Several Ukraininan cities are witnessing Russian missile and artillery fire, with casualties reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said 137 people, including civilians were killed in Russian attack so far.

As an independent think tank, we can’t stay aside during these hardships for Ukraine, and we offer our readiness to provide verified information about the latest developments in Ukrainian resistance to Russian aggression.

Khylko: we need UN mission on the contact line, we can deprive Russia of its veto in this case

Odessa was a cradle of the Greek War of Independence. The old building of the Filiki Etairia is still open to visitors in the downtown area of the city, currently serving as the home of the Hellenic Foundation. Two-hundred-and-one years ago, it witnessed long conversations on national identity, dignity, and freedom – similar themes to the ones that are at the forefront today: the freedom to choose partners and alliances, the dignity of self-determination, the call to defend national identity in the face of foreign aggression.

The Crimea Platform launched by Kyiv last year attracted great media attention across the globe. Despite this, practical steps must be taken to keep the issue of Crimea’s sovereignty on the international agenda.

How has security perception changed in the Black Sea region for the last three decades? Whether the osce is a security actor in the Black Sea region? Can resilience-building be a smart security response to the current challenges?

Tensions over Ukraine are getting worse. Experts discuss the real danger of conflict. The world awaits written responses from the US and Russia to their suggestions, while intelligence services from several countries point to the Kremlin's clear plan to destabilize Ukraine. According to reports, the British government received information on the Russian government's plans to establish a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv.

Maksym Khylko: Moscow believes it is beneficial to keep Ukraine and its Western partners in constant tension

Nici Ucraina, nici Republica Moldova nu au suficiente resurse pentru a influența Moscova, iar tot ce pot face este să demonstreze că sunt gata să se apere și să intensifice interacțiunea cu UE.

Når Russland sender styrker til Kasakhstan, er det mindre sannsynlig at president Vladimir Putin invaderer Ukraina, mener ukrainsk sikkerhetsekspert.

Constant threats from Russia on the border, disinformation campaigns, lack of an effective reaction from the West – this is not a complete list of problems Ukraine is struggling with right now, a list which threatens not just them, but the security of the whole region.

Putin's main goals are rather political and geopolitical. By threatening to use force against Ukraine, the Kremlin is raising stakes and seeking to strengthen its negotiating position in dialogue with Washington through blackmail. Most likely, Putin is trying to achieve many goals at the same time

The Kremlin’s goals in dealing with the West go far beyond seeking to return Ukraine to Russia’s sphere of influence.

To prevent a possible Russian invasion, Ukraine and its Western partners must make the most of time to rapidly increase Ukraine’s defence capabilities and to elaborate and put on the table a set of really strong measures that would make the price of possible escalation unjustifiably expensive for Russia

Ukrainian expert touched upon the current developments around the Russian-Ukraine conflict, the prognoses of NATO experts on the threat of Russian aggression in Eastern Europe and the response of the Western alliance against Russian intervention in Ukraine.

Potential participation of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine will finally destroy the remnants of Belarusian sovereignty and statehood

This is another proof that no guarantees will stop Russia from using the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as a tool of pressure and aggression against Ukraine if this project is launched.

Call for applications for a dialogue and information program for journalists

Maksym Khylko: the West cannot ignore Moscow’s co-responsibility for hybrid attacks on Lithuania and Poland

Policy Brief

A new milestone in Ukraine's public diplomacy began in late March when the foreign ministry approved, for the first time in history, a public diplomacy strategy.

If Germany and the United States allow Russia to bypass the Ukrainian territory in gas transit and thereby make it more vulnerable to full-scale Russian military aggression, it would be justified to provide Ukraine with some reliable security guaranties.

For Biden it is a forced step, which Putin has achieved through threats and blackmail

The role of big power politics in Central Europe

As security is in flux, so the policies of the Central European states and the role they allow the big powers to play in their development.

The school aims to create a communication platform for Belarusian, Moldovan and Ukrainian researchers, raising their awareness of international processes in the Eastern European region and providing basic skills in developing and implementing analytical documents.

Romanian journalists are invited to take part in a study visit to Ukraine in the summer of 2021!

Where are Ukraine and the United Kingdom heading? When should Ukrainians expect visa-free travel with Britain? What really was Brexit?

Moscow is now using the factor of occupation of the territories of Ukraine and Georgia to block their movement to NATO membership. It is worth sending a clear signal to the Kremlin that this strategy will not work.

The most popular question among foreign politicians and journalists is now whether Russia going to openly attack Ukraine, and whether this is preparation for a new war.

A common search for denominators should be supplemented by political dialogue, professional discussions, political and expert consultations. The parties' key goal is to find compromises and win-win solutions, avoid the language of ultimatums that may bring the parties into the deadlock. 

Report of the Romanian Center for European Policies

The EU and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict

The United States is among Ukraine’s key foreign partners and one of the main providers of substantial political, economic and military aid. Ever since Russia’s aggression in 2014, the US has been a staunch supporter, both in word and deed, of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, as well as the implementation of democratic reforms.

On February 2, 2021, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree enacting the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to impose sanctions for 5 years against three TV channels, namely “112 Ukraine”, “NewsOne” and “ZIK”, as well as against MP Taras Kozak, who is considered to be their owner in the interests of the leader of a pro-Russian political bloc, Viktor Medvedchuk.

Incoming president was deeply involved in Ukraine policy during the Obama administration

Ukrainians suffer from quite high levels of human insecurity, especially regarding health, economic, and personal security.

The road to peace in Donbas has not appeared smooth and straightforward, as had been expected by President Zelenskyy and his team. The emphasis on humanitarian issues cannot neglect the security situation on the ground nor the unchanged role of the Kremlin.

The EU should recognise Ukraine as a European country.

It has become casual to call the COVID-19 pandemic nothing short of world war against invisible enemy and thus to declare war both to its cause and the consequences. And while the rush to find a vaccine is gaining traction, “the brightest minds” are coming together to re-imagine the world that ought to emerge in […]

Provides an understanding of regional diversity issues and their manipulation in triggering the Ukraine-Russia conflict Highlights the manifestations of regional divides-related discourses Brings together insights from history, politics and law Editors: Shelest, Hanna, Rabinovych, Maryna (Eds.) Palgrave Macmillan

The context for Ukrainian-Hungarian cooperation is framed by two contrasting tracks of both countries geopolitical location: European integration and the Russian connection

The context for Ukrainian-Hungarian cooperation is framed by two contrasting tracks of their geopolitical interests: European integration and Russian. Ukraine's ultimate choice of European integration marked the start of a new stage of economic relations with Hungary.

In 2009, the European Union and six of its Eastern neighbours launched the Eastern Partnership (EaP) with the stated aim of “building a common area of shared democracy, prosperity, stability and increased cooperation.” A decade on, however, progress has been mixed.

Despite three decades of independence, the Eastern Partnership countries are still plagued by insecurity, driven by political weakness due to authoritarian rule or incomplete democracy, external pressure, largely from Russia, and due to unresolved or frozen conflicts.

Should Ukraine follow the example of its neighbors, or is it time to think about the way to counter such shift?

What do Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his team stand for? Will they realistically be able to deliver?

T his report outlines major trends that over the course of the next decade will shape the future of Eastern Partnership (EaP) region, to be understood as six individual countries and as a policy framework of the European Union. The authors of the report have focused particularly on those trends that are common for all […]

Hanna Shelest reflects on the opportunities and challenges facing the new leadership of Ukraine.

Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism” analyzed foreign policy programs and plans of President Zelenskyy and political parties present in the new Parliament.

What do Ukrainians expect of the newly elected Parliament?

Zelenskyi’s landslide victory is a vote for change. It also exposes Ukraine's vulnerability and the deficiency of reforms. Zelenskyi's voters united against the old system rather than around a common agenda about how to bring about change.

Ukrainians came up with the road map for president's first days in the office

Despite the smouldering conflict in Donbas and the tensions around Russia’s occupation of Crimea, security policy has so far failed to attract voters’ attention in the campaign.

Presidential canditates make promises that can be implemented only if they have majority in parliament

While the economy needs to be in focus.

The crazy way Ukrainian democracy works

What should Western partners expect after presidential election in Ukraine?

Analysts explain Ukraine presidential election for foreign audience

Providing international expert audiences with evidence-based analysis on the 2019 presidential elections in Ukraine

The Project was aimed at studying the relations within the Ukraine-Moldova-Romania triangle with the consideration of current political developments in the three countries

The Naval Forces of Ukraine were the first one who faced hybrid aggression manifestation in Crimea in 2014.

Polish journalists (from state and independent media) are invited to participate in the 5-day visit to Ukraine in October 2018.

Despite the differences in the positions on foreign policy priorities among the countries of the Visegrad Group the experience of the last three years clearly shows solidarity in the issue of assistance to Ukraine

How the European Union and the European Parliament (EP) contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in Ukraine?

International experts and diplomats have announced the results of Ukraine’s foreign policy in 2017. So what are the biggest successes and failures? To get to know all the details, we welcomed to the studio Hennadiy Maksak, chairman of the Foreign Policy Council ‘Ukrainian Prism’ – the organization which conducted this survey.

December 22 marks the 100th anniversary of Ukraine’s diplomatic service, created in 1917. The country’s President Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman attended a special ceremony to commemorate the century of Ukrainian diplomacy. To learn more about the service, we were joined by Hanna Shelest, editor in chief of Ukraine Analytica.

Is repairing of Ukraine - Poland relations possible?

Issue 11 of EaP Think Bridge Digest is out focusing of EaP Brussels Summit aftermath

The defence sector was a low priority in the political competition as it provided little political, economic and reputational incentives

Issue 10 of the Eastern Partnership Think Bridge Digest is focusing on transformations in security sector

New issue of EaP Think Bridge is out!

For the last two weeks, numerous statements have been made about the possible United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission to Ukraine.

The article analyses the Greek-Turkish conflict as an example of a protracted international conflict, which proved to be resilient to the years of resolution attempts.

“Changemakers in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Mediterranean South” 13 – 18 June 2017 Odessa, Ukraine

With parliamentary elections in Armenia quickly approaching, a profound period of transition is nearing its apex.

Strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Romania is a key issue of the European Neighborhood and Partnership Policy, as well as of the international cooperation in the Black Sea Region and the Wider Eastern European region.

The European-ness perception and feelings are still nascent among Ukrainians

It is unquestionably that Chisinau can count on support from Kiev and Kiev, in its turn, relies on such support from Chisinau.

Both countries would definitely benefit more if they applied liberal and constructivist patterns rather than rational egoism

It is a test of being democratic without sacrificing one’s security, and being secure not at the expense of one’s democracy

What to expect form both candidates in foreign policy?

The four strategic options now available to Ukraine

There is an absence of a real interest in Alaska’s military development

Petr Lunak from Public Diplomacy Department, NATO HQ

A long track marked with some progress and shortcomings

Is electoral security possible on the uncontrolled territories of Ukraine?

Lifting international sanctions seems the only incentive for Russia to comply with the Minsk agreements.

Russia occupied Crimea against the background of a state vacuum in Ukraine and thedisorientation of the new Ukrainian leadership of the post-Maidan period

Вespite the fact that the most brilliant strategic thinkers were drafting NATO strategic concepts some important threats were overlooked

Russia does not clearly outline the perimeter of its vital interests, perhaps in an attempt to preserve some strategic ambiguity for NATO.

The mobilizing success of the moral shocks is interpreted through introducing the notion of emotional path dependence

By thinking that Europe is “finished business” NATO almost lost the feeling of importance and sense of partnership on its immediate borders.

External challenges in the form of an oil embargo in 1973, the above-mentioned “gas crisis” and the necessity to ensure energy imports have little effects on European foreign energy policy

the absence of hard security assurances to the partner countries within the framework of the ENP or under other EU’s policies provoked Russia to launch a hybrid war in Ukraine in 2014