Peace in Ukraine? Diplomacy in Times of Conflict

• Date: 02 February
• Time: 18:30 - 20:00
• Location: Nieuwspoort

Please note: this event will be conducted in Dutch

A conversation with Dutch (former) ambassadors to Ukraine, Russia, and the United States

Nearly four years after Russia’s large-scale invasion, the conflict in Ukraine has entered a new and uncertain phase. While the frontlines remain under constant pressure, international relations are shifting rapidly. An increasing number of Dutch citizens now view the United States under President Trump, rather than Russia under President Putin, as the greatest threat to Dutch and European security. In addition, the proposed 28-point plan of the Trump administration, which put Ukraine under severe pressure, has once again sharpened tensions around peace negotiations and the role of European countries in this process. At the same time, both NATO and the European Union continue their military and humanitarian support for Ukraine.

Doubts are nevertheless growing about the effectiveness of these efforts. The battle for Pokrovsk shows that the situation on the battlefield is deteriorating rather than improving. Increased Russian attacks on energy infrastructure are taking a heavy toll on the Ukrainian civilian population, and multiple drone incidents in NATO airspace are causing rising tensions across the rest of Europe. How can allies continue to keep pressure on Russia? Which diplomatic tools can help prevent further escalation? And what role can the Netherlands play?

On the eve of the annual Ambassadors’ Conference of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Atlantic Commission is organising an in-depth discussion at Nieuwspoort in The Hague with the Dutch ambassadors to Ukraine and Russia (respectively Alle Dorhout and Joanneke Balfoort), and former Dutch ambassador to the United States Renée Jones-Bos. Drawing on their experience and postings, they will offer sharp insights into the conflict, Europe’s responsibility and security, and possible pathways toward sustainable peace. The discussion will be moderated by Geert Jan Hahn (BNR).

Practical information
Walk-in: 18:30
Start: 19:00
End: 20:00

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