Putin has long wanted to extract concessions from NATO. The three factors deterring Russia from an attack—a war in Ukraine, military capacity, and NATO strength—are under unprecedented strain
Without sufficient money and weapons, Europeans will be unable to convert their talking points into a sustainable peace
Whether using frozen Russian assets, ramping up defence production or deepening the relationship with the EU, it is up to us to secure Ukraine’s future—and our own
Putin has long wanted to extract concessions from NATO. The three factors deterring Russia from an attack—a war in Ukraine, military capacity, and NATO strength—are under unprecedented strain
Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine has now lasted longer than the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany, with incomparably smaller gains. The West should stop buying into Moscow’s bluff that Russia is invincible; instead, it should use the Kremlin’s weaknesses and double down on its support for Ukraine to bring about real negotiations to end the war
Whether using frozen Russian assets, ramping up defence production or deepening the relationship with the EU, it is up to us to secure Ukraine’s future—and our own
Russia’s renewed offensive in Ukraine’s east makes urgent international support essential. Europe must now mobilise financial assistance to secure Ukrainian sovereignty—and its own security
Without sufficient money and weapons, Europeans will be unable to convert their talking points into a sustainable peace
The draft US peace plan to end Russia’s war on Ukraine appeases many Russian demands. Yet Moscow will likely still find the deal unacceptable
Europe’s focus on Ukraine’s perilous “kill zone” obscures a second front: a hybrid war into the continent’s “comfort zone”. Europeans must confront this second assault with clarity and cohesion, lest the foundations of their security crumble
Donald Trump’s 28-point plan to end the fighting in Ukraine would be a dream outcome for the Kremlin. Here is how Europeans can ensure it does not become their continent’s nightmare
Volodymyr Zelensky has struck a deal to strengthen Ukraine’s winter energy reserves. Europe should now help Kyiv diversify its imports and guard its domestic gas fields with a robust air defence
The EU has a strategic opening to align with US sanctions on Rosneft and LUKoil. It must compel divestment from European assets and close loopholes that enable Moscow to circumvent restrictions
As Russia accelerates its annexation of “frozen conflict” regions, the EU must enhance its policy to counter Moscow’s influence
After a string of votes marred by Russian interference, Moldova is gearing up to elect its new parliament in September. As the election approaches, the Kremlin seems to be intensifying its efforts to thwart the president’s pro-European party, PAS, threatening the country’s EU accession
Together with the Ukrainians, Europeans should begin—now—to draw up a “beyond the horizon” plan for Ukraine in readiness for a ceasefire or even a peace deal
EU leaders have to learn lessons from Ukraine if they want to be truly ready to take responsibility for Europe’s security
The NB8 countries are some of Ukraine’s most steadfast supporters. Amid shifting transatlantic politics, their role in strengthening Ukraine’s defence is set to become increasingly vital
Facing wars and crises, the EU can no longer rely on slow peacetime processes. It needs a plan for faster industrial and infrastructural adaptation
New research confirms Ukrainians’ determination to fight and Europeans’ steady support for Kyiv. But a major divide lurks beneath this appearance of unity
The Kremlin is creating a new, more unified ideology, which it is disseminating among the Russian population and using to attract global south countries to a new conservative alliance
The Kremlin has long attempted to reform Russia’s military, but a dysfunctional system of civilian control has led to repeated failures, including in its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These problems will likely continue after the war unless a new Russian leadership emerges to address these persistent systemic problems
European governments need a more coordinated response to Russian democrats in exile – to give them certainty for the future and help guard against Kremlin subversion
Putin has long wanted to extract concessions from NATO. The three factors deterring Russia from an attack—a war in Ukraine, military capacity, and NATO strength—are under unprecedented strain
Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine has now lasted longer than the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany, with incomparably smaller gains. The West should stop buying into Moscow’s bluff that Russia is invincible; instead, it should use the Kremlin’s weaknesses and double down on its support for Ukraine to bring about real negotiations to end the war
Whether using frozen Russian assets, ramping up defence production or deepening the relationship with the EU, it is up to us to secure Ukraine’s future—and our own
Russia’s renewed offensive in Ukraine’s east makes urgent international support essential. Europe must now mobilise financial assistance to secure Ukrainian sovereignty—and its own security
Without sufficient money and weapons, Europeans will be unable to convert their talking points into a sustainable peace
The draft US peace plan to end Russia’s war on Ukraine appeases many Russian demands. Yet Moscow will likely still find the deal unacceptable
Europe’s focus on Ukraine’s perilous “kill zone” obscures a second front: a hybrid war into the continent’s “comfort zone”. Europeans must confront this second assault with clarity and cohesion, lest the foundations of their security crumble
Donald Trump’s 28-point plan to end the fighting in Ukraine would be a dream outcome for the Kremlin. Here is how Europeans can ensure it does not become their continent’s nightmare
Volodymyr Zelensky has struck a deal to strengthen Ukraine’s winter energy reserves. Europe should now help Kyiv diversify its imports and guard its domestic gas fields with a robust air defence
The EU has a strategic opening to align with US sanctions on Rosneft and LUKoil. It must compel divestment from European assets and close loopholes that enable Moscow to circumvent restrictions
Mark Leonard, Timothy Garton Ash, and Ivan Krastev discuss the main findings of ECFR’s latest opinion poll
Mark Leonard, Camille Grand, Gustav Gressel, Jana Puglierin, and Jeremy Shapiro discuss what the Leopard 2 decision means for the war in Ukraine
Mark Leonard is joined by Fyodor Lukyanov to learn more about the Russian perspective on global order
Mark Leonard is joined by ECFR’s Piotr Buras, Gustav Gressel, Kadri Liik, and Jeremy Shapiro to describe and debate the potential military, security, and economic aspects of the long-war plan
New ECFR research reveals that Europe’s remarkable unity in the early days of the war is under threat from an emerging split – between those who want peace as soon as possible and those who favour justice for Ukraine
How sustainable is European unity? And what scenarios of solidarity or division can be expected in the next few months?
What can Sweden and Finland offer NATO? And are they worried about the Kremlin’s threats to attack their countries?
On location at the Doha Forum 2022, Mark Leonard and his guests discuss Western energy sanctions on Russia and why is there a reluctance in the Gulf states and the West to cooperate on energy supplies
What concepts define Ukrainian history and identity, and how is this important in understanding Ukraine’s response to the Russian invasion?
How should Europe react to Russian loss or indeed victory in this war? And what are the possible ramifications for the West?
The Annual Council Meeting 2026 will take place on 17-18 June 2026 in Vienna
The Annual Council Meeting 2025 will take place on 27-28 June 2025 in Warsaw
Days before a high-stakes NATO summit, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) hosts to a timely webinar on European public attitudes towards Europe’s defence, the first turbulent months of President Trump’s new term, and the capacity of Europe to respond to a changing transatlantic reality. This webinar will launch our brand-new public opinion report,…
As leaders are about to take pivotal decisions for Ukraine’s fate at the NATO summit, join us for a discussion about pathways and policy options for Ukraine’s future and European Defence, based on ECFR’s latest public opinion. This webinar will delve into the nuanced public perceptions of the war in Ukraine in Ukraine itself, Switzerland, the UK as well as…
As France discovers the new making of its national assembly, this webinar will analyse the election results and reflect on their impact on a geopolitical Europe. At a time when the continent must project unity and strength in the face of Russian aggression, what will the election mean for France’s foreign policy and Europe more…
The Annual Council Meeting 2024 will take place on 4-5 July 2024 in Madrid
Amid a volatile geopolitical environment, ECFR’s recent public opinion poll ahead of the European elections shows that a geopolitical case for Europe resonates with voters, in particular against the backdrop of Trump’s potential re-election. Our panel will respond to these preferences and discuss the geopolitical trajectory for Europe in the next institutional cycle. Looking ahead to a…
Ahead of the European Council in December where accession talks with Ukraine are expected to be opened, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) is delighted to welcome Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Olha Stefanishyna, to discuss what Ukraine needs from Europe in the Long War. Europeans now face conflicts on multiple fronts in their…
How has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022—and the conduct of the war since then—changed China’s support for Russia and its wider outlook on the world? What lessons can Europe learn from China’s relationship to Russia?
The Annual Council Meeting 2023 took place on 7-8 June in Stockholm
