The panel was moderated by Mr. Edward LUCAS, Non-resident Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor at CEPA, who was joined by the following speakers: Mr. Vadym HALAICHUK, First Deputy Chairperson, Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the European Union, Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine, Mr. James CARAFANO, Senior Counselor to the President at The Heritage Foundation, USA, Mr. Bobo LO, Independent analyst on international relations, Australia, Mr. François HEISBOURG, Special Advisor, Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), France and Ambassador Tacan ILDEM, Chairman, Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), Türkiye.

The discussions emphasised the necessity of agreeing on a ceasefire, as a condition of possibility for reaching a peace deal. These efforts have been hindered by the negotiation strategy of the Russian side, with Putin forcing a lengthy discussion and having no serious intention to discuss peace. Some panellists have expressed optimism with regards to the role played by the United States in supporting Ukraine in her efforts to remain free and independent, while others have criticised the American approach. In this sense, the debate turned to the role of Europe, as well as other countries, in the peace efforts in the context of reduced American interest.

Watch the live sessions on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/4VniVIgWWgI?feature=share