The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies (GCMC) and the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine conducted a virtual seminar entitled “In a Post COVID-19 World: What are the Consequences for Ukraine?” with senior foreign policy experts in Ukraine on 15 May 2020. The seminar was designed to bring together experts to discuss the future challenges in Ukraine, the region, and the wider world following the COVID-19 crisis. The seminar resulted in a useful discussion of the strategic challenges faced by Ukraine and some of the likely impacts of the pandemic. Additionally, participants were able to develop insights into Ukraine’s prospects for recovery, the effect of the pandemic on conflict in the Donbas, and changes in the international environment that will impact Ukraine. 

The virtual seminar was led by Marshall Center faculty members Dr. Valbona Zeneli, Chair of the Strategic Initiatives Department, Dr. Suzanne Loftus, Professor of National Security Studies, and CDR Eric Ager, Professor of National Security Studies and by Mr. Sergiy Korsunsky, Director, and Ms. Yevginiya Gaber, Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy in Ukraine.

During the event, participants engaged in a wide ranging conversation on topics including the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on the security situation in Ukraine’s east, on the pandemic’s impact in Russia, and the success of Chinese strategic messaging during the pandemic.  Ukrainian participants noted the economic challenges facing Ukraine as a result of the pandemic and noted the difficulties that Ukraine will have in an international security environment dominated by great power competition.  The insights developed during the seminar will assist Ukrainian leaders in their efforts to formulate effective policy and will help to inform Marshall Center stakeholders as they seek to support Ukrainian reform and its effective defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.