Panel Discussion on “Four years of Russia’s war against Ukraine: Global instability and implications on the Korean Peninsula”

On 20th March 2026, the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea jointly hosted together with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Korea, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Republic of Korea, New Europe Center (Ukraine) and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom a panel discussion on "Four years of Russia's war against Ukraine: Global instability and implications on the Korean Peninsula".

European Union, 2026

European Union, 2026

With Krystyna Zeleniuk (New Europe Center) as moderator, Nataliya Butyrska (New Europe Center), Mykhailo Samus (New Geopolitics Research Network), Myong-Hyun Go (Asan Institute for Policy Studies), Frederic Spohr (Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom) as speakers, the panel discussed on how Russia's war against Ukraine reshaped the global security landscape and further what challenges the Russia-DPRK military cooperation pose for Europe and Asia.

European Union, 2026

Ugo Astuto, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Korea said in his welcoming remarks: "The EU's view is crystal clear. We want peace in Ukraine, and we want this peace to be just and lasting. Peace must be durable, credible, and consistent with international law.

While Ukraine has consistently demonstrated its readiness for peace, Russia has shown itself that it is not a trustworthy long-term partner as it actions fall short of its words.

And what is certain is that Russia is losing and is paying increasingly heavy price for its unprovoked and unjust war of aggression in economic, demographic and security terms. It has failed its military objectives and taken massive casualties, as its economy is faltering. It has suffered the highest casualty rate of any major power in any war since WW2, and its military has performed poorly, with historically slow rates of advance and little new territory to show for its efforts.

The Russia-North Korea military nexus - in violation of multiple UN resolutions- is also a serious concern. Security in Europe and security in the Indo-Pacific are interconnected. Sovereignty, territorial integrity, accountability respect for the UN Charter are the cornerstone of international law, and essential to the security of all states. How this war ends will further shape the future standing of these principles, already under immense test elsewhere.

The European Union stands firmly against Russia's aggression. We reiterate our determination to defend European security and to support Ukraine.

As we enter the 5th year of full-scale war, it is essential that the international community stands together. We must stop the aggression and make a just and lasting peace possible, exerting further pressure on Russia, isolating it politically and implementing in the full sanctions regime.

The time to end the war is now."