The panel, moderated by Maksym Skrypchenko<\/strong>, President of the Transatlantic Dialogue Center, featured:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The discussion underscored growing uncertainty around the future of transatlantic unity, especially in light of potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy. Speakers emphasized the urgent need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense, while highlighting Ukraine\u2019s battlefield experience as a valuable asset for NATO and EU security planning. They also stressed the moral importance of supporting Ukraine\u2019s democratic resistance, warned of the limited effectiveness of current sanctions against Russia, and called for stronger, more unified responses to the expanding alignment between authoritarian powers such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Oleksandr Merezhko<\/strong> underlined the strategic link between Ukraine\u2019s security and the broader security of NATO\u2019s eastern flank, calling Ukraine the \u201cgate and shield of Europe.\u201d He advocated for Ukraine\u2019s EU membership as both a geopolitical necessity and a deterrent to Russian aggression. He also stressed the legal and moral case for transferring frozen Russian assets to Ukraine as part of international accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rafael Loss<\/strong> addressed the shifting focus of U.S. strategic priorities toward the Indo-Pacific and the resulting need for Europe to assume a greater share of defense responsibilities. He highlighted growing interoperability efforts within NATO, the formation of coalitions of the willing to support Ukraine, and the practical challenges of deepening European defense cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Robert Hamilton<\/strong> noted the limitations of existing sanctions against Russia, citing enforcement gaps and the country\u2019s ability to adapt. He proposed the \u201cporcupine model\u201d of defense as a viable interim strategy for Ukraine in the absence of NATO membership and emphasized the economic dimension of U.S. foreign policy \u2014 suggesting that European purchases of U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine could influence Washington\u2019s continued support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We extend our sincere thanks to our distinguished panelists and all attendees for their engagement in this important dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The event was organized with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n On April 17, 2025, the Transatlantic Dialogue Center hosted a timely and thought-provoking discussion titled “America First vs. Transatlantic Unity \u2013 Where Does Ukraine Fit In?” The event brought together leading voices from Ukraine, the EU, and the United States to assess Ukraine\u2019s role amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics in the U.S. and Europe\u2019s pursuit of […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":30083,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,102],"tags":[],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-30082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","category-eng-us-ukraine-partnership-program-events"],"mb":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
Key insights from the discussion:<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tdcenter.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u0456\u0432\u0435\u043d\u0442\u0438-2_page-0001-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"