In this section of the site below, you will find information about our team’s work.
Thank you for supporting Ukrainian victory!

AUGUST 2023 DIGEST

AUGUST 2023 DIGEST

ICUV priority advocacy topics this period

Energy and nuclear security 

We call for sanctions against Russia for the largest man-made disaster in decades the blowing up the Kakhovka dam and sanctions against Rosatom in order to prevent a Russian-made catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. We believe that the world should learn the terrible lessons of the Kakhovka NPP and make sure Zaporizhzhya NPP is not the next one. 

Therefore, first and foremost, there should be a clear plan to impose sanctions against Rosatom, whose representatives are now at the ZNPP and exercise operational control over the plant. The occupiers are terrorizing ZNPP workers, sparingly exploiting and stealing equipment, and placing explosives and weapons at the plant. Russia poses a nuclear threat not only to Ukraine but to the entire world. 

Confiscation of frozen Russian assets

We are launching an advocacy campaign MAKE RUSSIANS PAY. 

According to preliminary estimates, frozen Russian sovereign assets amount to USD 350 billion. They are concentrated mainly in the EU, Switzerland, Japan, the UK, and the US. Therefore, joint coordinated action is required to seize and use those funds for Ukraine. We are grateful to Western taxpayers, but for the sustainability of Ukraine’s self-defense, it is important to make Russia pay. 

We believe that the establishment of an effective “confiscation coalition” should advance the audit, management, and introduction of prompt and effective legal mechanisms for the confiscation of Russian sovereign assets for Ukraine.

Justice for Ukraine and accountability for Russia

We advocate for bringing Russia and its criminals to justice. According to the survey, the majority of Ukrainians (57%) want to punish everyone who was directly involved in planning, approving, arranging, and committing war crimes. Almost 16% of the polled Ukrainians all over the country said they had witnessed war crimes committed by Russians, and another 5% said they might have witnessed such actions.

Food security

Intense hostilities continue on the territory of Ukraine. This reduces the physical capacity for growing crops and limits Ukraine’s export potential. In addition, the Ukrainian market is forced to operate under conditions of limited logistical opportunities for export. Russia left the Grain deal and has destroyed many port infrastructure facilities. 

This situation will continue as long as Russia continues its terror, Ukraine remains without a maritime corridor, and export via alternative routes becomes complicated or risky. According to preliminary assessments, from the long-term perspective, the closure of the Grain Corridor alone will lead to a 10-15% increase in world prices. We call for the unblocking of Ukrainian ports, the demilitarisation of the Black Sea, the restoration of trade routes and the uniting of the international community to demine Ukrainian land.

EU integration 

On August 9, 2023, the Parliament adopted Law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Improving the Activities of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine”. The law starts the reform of competition legislation, bringing the relevant legislation of Ukraine and the activities of the Antimonopoly Committee closer to the acquis communautaire of the European Union. It provides for the improvement of state policy in the field of protection of economic competition, strengthening of the institutional capacity of the AMCU and was developed in accordance with the requirements of Article 256 of the Association Agreement. The law also partially fulfills Ukraine’s EU candidacy recommendations on tackling oligarchs’ influence in the economy.

Ukraine’s invitation to NATO 

After the Vilnius Summit, NATO, ICUV together with other NGOs and think tanks, developed the second phase of a special campaign in support of Ukraine’s invitation to NATO. It focuses on making every effort to persuade key partners to extend a formal invitation to NATO for Ukraine at the next NATO Summit in Washington, DC.

Advocacy visits highlights

In August, Olena Halushka participated in the Lab in the framework of the European Forum Alpbach 2023 titled “After the War: Rebuilding and Reuniting Ukrainian State and Society”. Also, she took part in the Silicon Curtain Panel Event in Lviv.

The major focus of ICUV’s work in August was on Global South and building partnerships with experts and opinion-makers from the region. Hanna Hopko took part in the Annual meeting of the Munich Young Leaders in New Deli, India.

Daria Kaleniuk participated in the Conference “Victory for the Future of Ukraine: Transparency and Efficiency.

Key topics we discussed: sustainable victory, seizure of Russian state assets, the impact of the Russian war in Ukraine on global food security and food pricing, the importance of Ukrainian invitation to join NATO, European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, as well as recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, and global nuclear safety.

ICUV events

  • Rally for Independence Day of Ukraine in Warsaw
    Ukrainians in Poland celebrated Ukraine’s Independence Day on Castle Square in Warsaw, where over 30,000 attendees gathered. People held flags of Ukraine and Poland, as well as banners with the word “Dziękuję” (Thank You). The event was co-organized by Euromaidan-Warszawa, ICUV, the Embassy of Ukraine in Poland, the “Stand with Ukraine” Foundation and others.

Research, statements, policy papers

Publications

MAY-JUNE 2023 DIGEST

MAY-JUNE 2023 DIGEST

ICUV priority advocacy topics this period

Ukrainian Victory: endgame scenarios for Russian war in Ukraine

ICUV with partners from Euro-Atlantic think tanks have forecast several scenarios and modelled possible outcomes of the Russian war, which suggest what policy options Moscow would choose and what the best response strategies NATO and EU allies could follow. Full research is here. 

Ukraine’s invitation to NATO – #UkraineNATOnow

NATO Membership is the only security guarantee which can bring sustainable peace back to Europe and prevent future wars. We are convinced that inviting Ukraine to NATO at the summit in Vilnius will not drag the Alliance into the war with Russia, instead will bring a number of advantages both for NATO and Ukraine. For more details, see the article of Olena Halushka and Alyona Getmanchuk for Politico and the explainer prepared by our colleagues from the New Europe Center. 70 Ukrainian NGOs issued a statement too.

Europe’s nuclear safety and security (Critical situation on ZNPP)

Russian nuclear terrorism has to be stopped. A possible nuclear disaster on the European continent has to be prevented. Since April 2022, after an unprecedented act of nuclear terrorism at the ZNPP, Russia has intentionally increased risks of nuclear disaster on this plant, blackmailing not only Ukraine but entire Europe and its NATO members.

Russian troops have deployed vehicles charged with explosives near to ZNPP power units No4 and No6. “The plan of terrorist attack on ZNPP is fully drafted and approved. Technical means could be used to speed up the catastrophe,” Chief of Ukraine’s MoD intelligence Kyrylo Budanov warned. The lack of proper response from the global community to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam on 6 June might invite further scorched Earth tactics by Russians. The international partners have to make it clear to Russia now that any incident at the ZNPP is a red line. The sanctions against Rosatom need to be introduced without further delay.

Justice for Ukraine and accountability for Russia

It is important that the world recognizes Russian genocide and ecocide against Ukrainians. The explosion of the Kakhovka Dam by Russian terrorists is a man-made catastrophe of global proportions. An example of another crime against Ukrainian people. Ukraine demands an international tribunal and punishment for Russia’s crimes.  

Confiscation of frozen Russian assets

The damage caused by the Russian war to Ukraine is estimated by the World Bank at 400 billion, and the calculations by the Ukrainian government are around 700 billion. At the same time, according to preliminary estimates, the amount of frozen state assets of Russia is about USD 350 billion. Most of them are held in the US, Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan, the UK, and Austria. While we are extremely grateful to Western taxpayers for their assistance, it is important to make sure the aggressor pays too. Therefore, we call on world leaders and governments to show the political will to audit, collect into one fund, and introduce mechanisms of making this money work for Ukraine already today, e.g. via taxing the profits, before the way to confiscate them fully is found. More is explained in the op-ed by Olena Halushka and Tetiana Shevchuk for the Kyiv Independent.

EU integration

On June 22, the European Commission published a so-called oral update on Ukraine’s progress towards fulfilment of the fulfilment of seven steps required for the candidacy status. According, to the EC’s assessment, Ukraine has fully completed 2 out of 7 steps (on judicial reform and media law). As for the remaining 5 steps, overall good progress or some progress has been achieved. The ICUV team and our founding organizations are closely monitoring the implementation of the requirements, especially the ones related to the reform of the Constitutional Court and the fight against corruption. In order to complete those steps, the Ukrainian government has to adopt the law on the selection of Constitutional Court judges in accordance with the most recent recommendations of the Venice Commission and reinstate the obligation to file electronic asset declarations by public officials.

Advocacy visits highlights

In May, ICUV’s advocacy team visited a number of European states, like Sweden, Norway, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, and the UK. Our experts took part in the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, International Sakharov Conference in Vilnius, Copenhagen Summit, Brussels Forum, Pism Strategic Ark Conference, Globsec and Kyiv Security Forum. 

Key topics which we have discussed at the events and meetings were what are the war scenarios for Ukraine, Russia and NATO, defense assistance for Ukraine, Ukraine’s integration into EU and NATO, nuclear safety and security, the tribunal for Russian aggression and manifesto for sustainable peace. 

In June, we made advocacy visits to the US, UK, Germany, Belgium, Sweden. Our experts participated in Danish “Davos” forum Folkemodet, the Ditchley Conference, The Recovery Conference (London), Nordic Ukrainian Forum, Petroleum Ukraine conference (Warsaw). 

Key focuses were on nuclear security and the critical situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, energy, sanctions against Rosatom, the importance of a formal invitation to NATO for Ukraine, seizure of russian assets, reconstruction in Ukraine and international tribunal.

ICUV events

  • May 2, Kyiv 
    Discussion: How cooperation between Ukrainian and European local communities can help to rebuild Ukraine. ICUV with the ANTS Network, has launched an initiative of advocacy visits of representatives of our communities to European countries to share these experiences and to establish strong partnerships at the community level. For three months the representatives of 17 Ukrainian communities visited Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Italy. As a result, local governments have already begun to interact with and support each other directly through these visits.
  • May 3 and May 5
    The premieres of the documentary Strong as Earth took place in Brussels and Warsaw. The audience had the opportunity to talk to the film’s heroes and the director before and after the screening. 

Announcement: 

  • July 7-12 
    33 rallies will be held worldwide on July 7-12 in support of Ukraine’s invitation to become NATO’s 33rd member. Join and call on your country’s politicians to stand with Ukraine!

Research, statements, policy papers

  • F16s to Ukraine – a year-long advocacy campaign
    Meetings, discussions, presentations, and collaborative work with partners in synergy in various venues in key capitals around the world for providing F16s.
  • Why Ukraine matters to the developed world in post-industrial economies?
    The development of post-industrial economies, particularly green economies with a reduced environmental impact, requires critical minerals, such as lithium, neon, and titanium. As a result, many democracies made themselves too dependent on authoritarian regimes, such as China and Russia. Ukraine has the potential to replace them in the market, at least partially.
  • Sustainable Peace Manifesto: Never Again 2.0
    The document was developed by Ukrainian opinion leaders, civic activists, and thinkers to describe in detail how Ukrainian society sees sustainable peace. It contains a list of necessary steps on the part of the international community, including reparation from russia, an international tribunal against Russia, and security guarantees for Ukraine – membership in the EU and NATO.

Publications

JULY 2023 DIGEST

JULY 2023 DIGEST

ICUV priority advocacy topics this period

Ukraine’s invitation to NATO

Our primary focus has been on highlighting the crucial significance of extending a formal invitation to Ukraine to join NATO. We have actively engaged with the opinion leaders, conducted advocacy meetings, and coordinated public events across the globe to draw attention to this matter. Also, we had a chance to inquire about Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO and the real security guarantees for the country from world leaders during the NATO Public Forum in Vilnius.

Europe’s nuclear safety and security (Critical situation on ZNPP)

We bring attention to the nuclear terrorism committed by Russia, and highlight the risks to nuclear security at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The head of Ukrainian intelligence Kyrylo Budanov warned, that the Russian occupation forces had prepared for a terror act at the ZNPP, and placed military hardware with explosives next to four of six power units of the power plant.

We call for giving Ukraine promptly means to protect its NPPs (air defence, F-16s), and for prompt sanctions on Rosatom. It is essential for the international community to establish clear red lines for Russia, ensuring that such acts of nuclear terrorism are not allowed to recur in the future.

Justice for Ukraine and accountability for Russia

We call for responsibility and accountability for Russia for crimes they have committed, including advocacy efforts for establishment of the International Tribunal for Russian aggression, and establishing the sustainable peace in future. An overwhelming majority of Ukrainians, 78%, hold all Russians accountable for the aggression. Furthermore, 57% wish to see everyone involved in the planning, approval, organization, and commission of war crimes brought to justice.

Confiscation of frozen Russian assets

According to preliminary estimates, frozen Russian sovereign assets amount to USD 350 billion. They are concentrated mostly in the EU, Switzerland, Japan, US, and other G7 countries. Therefore, common action is required to seize and use those funds for the recovery of Ukraine. Our task is to advocate for the establishment of an effective “confiscation coalition” and advance the audit, management, and introduction of prompt and effective legal mechanisms of confiscation of Russian sovereign assets.

Food security

Russia’s weaponization of grain and food threatens global food security. Another wave of attacks on Ukrainian ports, the destruction of grain storage facilities, and the termination of the grain deal brought the world to the brink of famine and poverty. We call for the demilitarization of the Black Sea and the opening of Ukrainian ports and trade routes. 

EU integration

Ukraine has made several important steps towards fulfilling the seven steps required for the EU candidacy status and moving towards the accession process. On July 27, the Parliament adopted draft law 9322, which provides for the new competitive procedure of the selection of the Constitutional Court judges in accordance with the most recent opinion of the Venice Commission. Also the same day MPs voted for draft law 9534 in the first reading, which is aimed at reinstating of the system of electronic asset declarations of public officials and will make them public. The voting in the second reading is expected in September. The adoption of the law will be significant progress in the fight against corruption.

Ukrainian Victory: endgame scenarios for Russian war in Ukraine

We introduced experts, opinion leaders, politicians, and analysts to a study forecasting the possible consequences of the Russian war, developed by the ICUV together with partners from Euro-Atlantic think tanks. The full text of the study is available here. 

Advocacy visits highlights

In July, ICUV’s advocacy experts visited Lithuania and Poland. We took part on NATO Public Forum in Vilnius, Visegrád Summer School in Krakow, Open European Dialogue in Warsaw, Closed-door discussion on Ukraine’s NATO accession in Kyiv. 

Key topics which we have discussed at the events and meetings were The need for Ukraine’s immediate accession to NATO, which guarantees Ukraine’s security, drawing attention to the critical situation at the ZNPP, the need to confiscate Russian assets in favor of Ukraine – Russia must pay, the possibility of peace on Ukraine’s terms.

ICUV events

  • July 6, Kyiv
    Discussion: Ukraine’s NATO accession 
    ICUV with Casimir Pulaski foundation organized a closed-door discussion in Kyiv on how to speed up Ukraine’s accession to NATO. It was held as part of the visit of an international delegation, composed of organizers and experts from the Warsaw Security Forum. 
  • July 10, Vilnius, Lithuania
    Presentation: NATO in run-up to the Vilnius Summit: Key concerns and Counter-Arguments
    Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism” together with the ICUV presented two researches:
    – Ukraine – NATO In the Run-Up to The Vilnius Summit: Key Concerns of Member States by Ukrainian Prism
    – Endgame Scenarios for Russia’s War in Ukraine by the ICUV
  • July 7-12, around the world
    Rallies: 39 mass rallies to support Ukraine in NATO
    39 mass demonstrations took place worldwide in support of Ukraine’s invitation to become NATO’s 33rd member. It included rallies, charity runs and an ultramarathon. The largest amount of activities was held in Vilnius. The events were organized by ICUV, Communities Army of Ukraine, and Klych. Vilnius’ rallies were supported by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian organization Blue and Yellow, and activists from the Ukrainian community in Lithuania.
  • July 26, Kyiv
    Presentation of the research “WAR, PEACE, VICTORY, AND FUTURE”
    The significant research “War, Peace, Victory, and Future” was conducted by ICUV in collaboration with the Ilko Kucheriv “Democratic Initiatives” Foundation and the Center for Political Sociology.
    Experts explored whether Ukrainians are ready to make concessions to Russia for the sake of peace and what kind of concessions, what is a victory for Ukrainians and what is the biggest threat, how people’s emotional state changes during the war, and what security guarantees Ukrainians consider effective.

Announcement: 

  • August 10, Lviv
    Olena Halushka will take part in Silicon Curtain Panel Event in Lviv The event will feature some of the most accomplished journalists and experts on Ukraine. It is aimed to show solidarity with Ukraine and generate awareness of its struggle for survival and liberty against Russian aggression. Should you be in Lviv, you are welcome to join.

Research, statements, policy papers

  • The research “WAR, PEACE, VICTORY, AND FUTURE”
    According to the research findings, over half of Ukrainians, precisely 51%, firmly believe that they will not compromise with the enemy and are ready to continue the war until victory. 36% of the respondents are willing to make certain concessions, but this does not include giving up parts of the territory, as well as Ukraine’s entry into NATO and the EU, as concessions to Russia. The idea of “peace at any cost” is supported by only 6% of Ukrainian citizens.
  • The Research: THE GLOBAL NUCLEAR MARKET
    The global nuclear material market, which includes uranium ore extraction, enrichment, and construction of power plants, has become a topic of increasing concern in recent years. In particular, the dependence of this market on authoritarian regimes such as Russia has raised several risks and implications.
  • Sustainable Peace Manifesto: Never Again 2.0
    The issue presents a vision of a peaceful postwar world. The authors, Ukrainian intellectuals and civil society representatives, are convinced that the implementation of the ideas of this document will prevent future aggression and ensure sustainable peace in the interests of all people. Not only in Western Europe but also in Central and Eastern Europe — through the motto “Never Again”.
  • END GAME SCENARIOS for Russia’s War in Ukraine
    Experts and analysts have created potential forecasts for the conclusion of the Russian war in Ukraine.

Publications