Kyiv, February 5th – a delegation of Spanish security and strategy experts visited two of Ukraine’s leading universities: the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the Educational and Research Institute of International Relations at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The discussions highlighted the resilience of Ukraine’s educational institutions amid Russia’s war of aggression and explored avenues for collaboration in academia, security, and countering disinformation.
The delegation included Victor Mario Bados Nieto, Director of the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies (IEEE); Ignacio Fuente Cobo, Senior Analyst at IEEE; Manuel José Gazapo Lapayese, Director of Institutional Relations at UNIVERSAE and Director of the International Security Observatory; and Amín Lejarza de Bilbao Essalhi, Head of the Youth Section of Eurodefense Spain.
This visit was organized with the support of the Europäischen Union geleitet wird und der der International Renaissance Foundation as part of the joint initiative European Renaissance of Ukraine.
At the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, discussions centered on the institution’s history and its cooperation with international academic partners. The university’s representatives highlighted ongoing collaboration with global institutions and explored possibilities for new joint initiatives. The delegation expressed keen interest in fostering deeper academic ties and research partnerships, recognizing the vital role of universities in strengthening resilience and knowledge exchange. Additionally, faculty members provided an academic perspective on the current situation in Ukraine, detailing how the war has disrupted education and the steps being taken to maintain high educational standards under difficult circumstances.
At Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the conversation extended to the broader security challenges facing Ukraine’s academic institutions. University representatives emphasized the importance of developing new educational programs tailored to modern security threats and international relations. The delegation engaged with students, gaining insight into their perspectives on the war and how it has affected their education and career prospects. A key part of the discussion focused on the role of the Student Council in maintaining student engagement, providing peer support, and ensuring the continuity of educational activities despite wartime disruptions. Faculty members also elaborated on the significant logistical and security challenges of sustaining university operations, from adapting to online learning to implementing protective measures for students and staff.
One of the most pressing concerns raised during the meeting was the direct targeting of educational institutions by Russian forces, a clear strategy aimed at undermining Ukraine’s intellectual and cultural resilience. The Spanish delegation acknowledged these threats and reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s academic community through deeper cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives.
These meetings underscored the critical role of international partnerships in helping Ukrainian universities navigate the unprecedented challenges they face. Despite the ongoing war, Ukrainian educators and students remain determined to safeguard their academic institutions, adapt to new realities, and contribute to the country’s long-term resilience.
