Ukraine

February 24, marks one year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This attack was the culmination  of a war of aggression that has been going on for 9 years. Here are the key facts and figures about this year.

The once lively scene of local and national Ukrainian media is threatened by the brutal Russian invasion and occupation. War has changed the work of journalists and media business models are under threat. Today’s task is to preserve the Ukrainian media landscape and keep journalists in the profession. The tragic case of Russia illustrates that without comprehensive freedom of speech and independent media, dictatorship can thrive.

The precondition for a real and sustainable recovery of Ukraine is, above all, the victory over the Russian aggression against the country. Still, the discussion on the vision and specific steps for reconstruction cannot wait as residents of damaged towns and millions of internally displaced persons need viable living conditions already now, while the war is still ongoing. Ukrainian society needs to build up resilience in many aspects. This interview presents a feminist perspective on the priorities of reconstruction and the importance of international support and allyship among communities. An interview with Galyna Kotliuk, Programme Coordinator - Gender Democracy/Women Rights/LGBT-Rights at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Kyiv office.

Every day, Russia continues to shell Ukrainian infrastructure, causing new damage. At the same time, Ukraine is already formulating a post-war recovery plan, including in the area of secure renewable energy. Natalia Lytvyn, project coordinator of the NGO Ecoclub and the Energy Transition Coalition, and Kostiantyn Krynytskyi, head of the energy department at EcoAction, elaborate on Ukraine's prospects for a green transition.

The Heinrich Böll Stiftung’s Foreign Policy Conference in February gave a snapshot of the German Green Party’s foreign policy priorities vis-à-vis Ukraine and Eastern Europe

Poland has welcomed fleeing Ukrainians. But a cold winter, rising inflation, and minimal financial support from the government could strain the system.

“Everyone is traumatized,” one teacher told National Journal after students returned to the classroom this fall.

“You cannot take democracy for granted,” Maria Kurinna tells National Journal in Warsaw.

A Polish town home to just 200 people has taken in around 100 Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion of their country, providing a haven for those escaping the attack by a violent, oppressive regime.