Maksym Skrypchenko, President of the Transatlantic Dialogue Center, spoke at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) Morning Briefing on Ukraine “An Update on Ukraine: Domestic, European, and Security Affairs,” organized by the DGAP on April 30, 2026. Alongside leading European experts, he assessed Ukraine’s military, political, and diplomatic position and the future of European and transatlantic support.
The conversation ranged across Ukraine’s evolving security situation, drone and defense innovation, Ukraine-U.S. relations, the impact of the war in the Middle East on global attention and resources dedicated to Ukraine, and the strategic importance of Ukraine’s EU accession process.
Key points from the briefing:
- Ukraine’s battlefield position has become more stable, with drone warfare significantly limiting Russia’s ability to conduct rapid armored advances, while risks remain in the northeast, particularly near Sumy.
- Ukraine is emerging as a security provider for Europe, developing advanced drone ecosystems, counter-drone solutions, digital battlefield management tools, and domestic long-range strike capabilities.
- The EU is taking on a larger financial and political role in sustaining Ukraine, but the assistance must become predictable and systematic rather than ad hoc.
- Russia shows no interest in good-faith negotiations, while both sides appear to be preparing for a protracted war of attrition affecting the frontline, societal resilience, energy infrastructure, and governance.
- EU integration remains a strategic security issue for Ukraine, not merely an economic or institutional one. It means long-term belonging to Europe and a definitive exit from Russia’s sphere of influence.
- Despite institutional strain, public fatigue, mobilization pressures, and the absence of elections under martial law, Ukraine’s domestic political system continues to function.
In his remarks, Maksym Skrypchenko emphasized that Ukraine’s struggle should be understood not only as a defense against Russian aggression but also as a broader European security challenge. Ukraine’s military experience, defense innovation, and resilience make it a critical partner for Europe’s long-term stability.
The coming months will be crucial for Ukraine: recovering essential energy infrastructure before the next winter, sustaining international military support, and advancing a credible political pathway toward EU membership. For Europe, supporting Ukraine is a strategic investment in the continent’s security architecture and democratic future.