The Transatlantic Dialogue Center (TDC) remains committed to facilitating visits to Ukraine for international decision-makers, enabling them to gain firsthand insights into the current situation in the country. This time, in close cooperation with the German think-tank Zentrum Liberale Moderne, TDC has arranged a three-day visit for a German delegation, headed by Dr. Daniela De Ridder, a member of the Bundestag from the Social Democratic Party and the Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. The delegation comprised senior staff members and advisers from prominent German political parties, including the SPD, CDU/CSU, Alliance 90/The Greens, and FDP.
On the first day, the delegation visited the cities of Irpin and Bucha in the Kyiv region which became a symbol of the destruction the Russian full-scale invasion had brought to Ukraine. They had an opportunity to talk to witnesses of the war crimes committed by Russian troops and exchange with the representatives of the local administrations.
Apart from that, the delegation visited two schools in Bucha and Irpin to see how the cities are recovering their infrastructure after liberation. Discussions with city administrators and school headmasters revolved around sustainable recovery projects and energy supply diversification. The delegation also saw successful projects in action, such as solar panels on the Irpin school’s roof, energy equipment ensuring autonomous operation during local blackouts, and well-equipped school shelters for uninterrupted learning in case of shelling. City administrators highlighted their current reconstruction needs, emphasizing the importance of international assistance.
The day concluded with a meeting with the Permanent Representative of the German Ambassador to Ukraine, Tim Prange, who provided insights into the German Embassy’s operations in Kyiv during the war.
The second day featured meetings with Ukrainian Members of Parliament from the Ukrainian-German interparliamentary friendship group at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Discussions within the Parliament’s walls focused on current cooperation issues between the two nations, with Ukrainian MPs outlining strategic priorities and areas where German support is crucial.
The German delegation also met the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets and the representatives of several departments of his Office. The Ukrainian Ombudsman expressed gratitude to German partners for the support provided by the German government and presented the structure and the areas of work of the Office. Discussions encompassed topics such as the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, conditions of detention for prisoners of war in Russia and Ukraine, and collaboration with international organizations in safeguarding human rights.
As a part of the program, the German delegation participated in two round tables with Ukrainian experts and analysts. During the discussion with Ukrainian military analysts, the German side got a fresh perspective on pressing issues around the military situation in Ukraine, including the Ukrainian counteroffensive, Russia’s nuclear blackmailing, the fate of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and hybrid threats in Europe stemming from Russian interference. The second roundtable centered on the sustainable recovery of Ukraine, with representatives from Ukrainian energy think tanks highlighting the inefficiency of sanctions against the Russian oil and gas industry, the centrality of security in Ukraine’s reconstruction, and prospects for energy sector cooperation with European countries. Special attention was given to preparations for the upcoming winter and how Ukrainian cities and communities can overcome potential energy supply challenges.
The program of the third day of the visit included meetings with the representatives of the Government Office for the Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Director General of the First Territorial Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Rostyslav Ogryzko, and Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko. Ukraine’s government officials elaborated on Ukraine’s progress on the way to the EU and NATO, strengthening of the international coalition in support of Ukraine as well as successes in countering the Russian armed aggression.
The final destination was the office of the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties, where the German delegation engaged with Ukrainian experts on human rights. Discussions encompassed the liberation of civilians and prisoners of war, with a special focus on deported children. Topics also included challenges related to establishing a tribunal for Russian war criminals and investigating genocide crimes, particularly under the ongoing war conditions.
This visit represents another significant step on Ukraine’s way towards strengthening cooperation with our partners, who have been standing with Ukraine since the first days of the Russian invasion. TDC extends its gratitude to Zentrum Liberale Moderne for making this visit possible, as well as to our German and Ukrainian partners for their active participation.
