Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has ushered in a new era of warfare—one for which Europe remains dangerously underprepared. Throughout this war, Ukrainian businesses and civil society have played an extraordinary and unconventional role in national defense: forming new volunteer brigades such as the Khartia Brigade, mobilising donations and essential equipment for frontline units, rapidly innovating low-cost technologies, including drone interception tools and battlefield sensors.

This panel will help European experts, activists, and policymakers understand the evolving nature of warfare and the societal mobilisation required to meet it. Together, we will explore: what lessons Ukraine’s experience holds for Europe’s own resilience, how civil society contributes to defense innovation and adaptability, and how European partners must rethink security, preparedness, and support in light of an expanding, hybrid battlefield.

PROPOSED SPEAKERS

• Iryna Krasnostan, Program Director ICUV, former analyst at the NATO Representation to Ukraine
• Lesia Orobets, leader of the Sky Shield Initiative, former member of Ukrainian Parliament
• Taras Tymochko, Project Lead, Come Back Alive
• Nils Thal,  German professional firefighter from Nuremberg who volunteered to work with the State Emergency Service in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Moderator: Inna Nelles, Co-founder, German-Ukrainian Bureau