On April 1, at Sens Bookstore, a closed meeting titled “Countering the Authoritarian Axis” was held, during which we also presented our brief, available via the link.

The event brought together embassy representatives and experts to discuss new challenges. The main focus was on the dangerous alliance between Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China. Participants discussed the military and economic cooperation of these countries and how the West can effectively counter their influence.

The discussion featured prominent Ukrainian experts:

• Hanna Hopko – Founder and Head of the Board of National Interests Advocacy Network (ANTS), co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV);
• Olena Tregub – Executive Director of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO);
• Lesia Orobets – Ukraine’s air defence advocate, Founder of the NGO ‘Price of Freedom’, Former Member of Parliament of Ukraine;
• Olena Sas – Expert in monitoring and analysis of information, project manager of the National Interests Advocacy Network (ANTS). 

The speakers discussed sanctions, monitoring mechanisms, and how EU leadership can influence addressing these issues.

As of March 2022, Russia has faced over 5,530 sanctions globally, making it the most sanctioned country in the world. However, there has been talk recently of a possible lifting of these sanctions. But when a war is ongoing, genocide is being committed, and the aggressor country continues its terror, such steps are simply unacceptable. We cannot make concessions to those who use the language of violence.

Instead of talking about lifting sanctions, we believe that Europe will take a tough stance: tighten sanctions, confiscate Russian state assets, continue to document war crimes and recognise the genocidal nature of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Because that is exactly what it is.

Hanna Hopko, Founder and Head of the Board of National Interests Advocacy Network (ANTS), co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV)

The alliance between Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China involves the exchange of technologies, weapon improvements, and facilitation of sanctions evasion. For instance, Russia has already established the production of upgraded Iranian Shahed drones and is capable of manufacturing up to 10,000 units per year.

Europe must unite to counter the growing aggression from these countries and their war capabilities. In particular, it is crucial to improve the sanctions mechanism at the European Union level. Currently, each country is responsible for implementing sanctions individually. Instead, there should be a unified platform at the EU level, otherwise, the authoritarian axis will exploit the disunity of European countries against them.

Olena Tregub, Executive Director of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO)

The meeting also addressed the protection of our skies, particularly our nuclear power plants. Russia constantly targets our cities, which is why it is essential to create a reliable air defense system to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure. Lesia Orobets emphasized the importance of protecting not only Ukraine but also all of Europe from potential nuclear threats.

Unfortunately, the Russians are playing God, still attempting to strike our nuclear power plants. Radiation knows no borders. Therefore, an air defense system is not just about Ukraine’s security; it is about the security of all of Europe, which must protect its borders and way of life. This is the time to rethink Ukraine as a strategic partner that will help make Europe a safer place for us and our children.

Lesia Orobets, Founder of the NGO ‘Price of Freedom’, Former Member of Parliament of Ukraine

Now, for the EU countries, the main tasks are to strengthen their response to aggression, enhance monitoring and control of sanctions, and disrupt illegal supply chains to limit support for authoritarian regimes. It is crucial to consider imposing sanctions on companies within the Russian military complex that are involved in weapon production and using these weapons against Ukraine.

Europe must demonstrate strength and resolve, not weakness, in the face of the aggressor. Experts emphasized this, urging the invited guests to convey this message to their governments and international partners.