The session was chaired by Ms. Maia Otarashvili, Director of the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (USA). Held in a more informal evening format, the discussion featured Mr. Andrei Illarionov, Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Policy in Washington, D.C., and former Economic Adviser to President Vladimir Putin (2000–2005) (joining via VTC), and Mr. Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Caucasus Institute, Armenia.

The panel analysed Putinism as an imperialist project that extends beyond Ukraine’s borders, targeting Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, the Baltic States, Central Asia, and other regions. It was argued that a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, diplomatic negotiations, or economic sanctions will not halt Russia’s revisionist objectives, which are fueled by a combination of nationalist narratives and geopolitical ambitions. Furthermore, the war has accelerated the redefinition of the post-Soviet space. Countries previously aligned with Moscow—such as Armenia—are visibly distancing themselves, reshaping their alliances, trade routes, and educational policies. Far from consolidating its power, the conflict has exposed Russia’s vulnerabilities and has prompted an increasing number of former Soviet republics to reject its influence.

Watch the live sessions on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/Ylk9fImjYeM?feature=share