Besides all the human suffering and the massive destruction of populated areas and infrastructure, the Russian war against Ukraine has also led to colossal damage to the ecology and the environment in the country. The scale of this devastation can hardly be estimated so far. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on 6 June 2023 was the single most visible environmental war crime with vast consequences not only for the irreversibly damaged ecosystems up- and downstream but for the entire wider region, its economy, and European ecology as well. Large shares of agricultural land cannot be irrigated any longer. There was a huge lack of freshwater as its supply depended on the dam as well. The loss of the electric capacity of the dam’s hydropower plant destabilizes the supply all over South Ukraine. The decrease of the lake’s water level poses a danger to the reliability of the cooling for the Zaporizhia Nuclear power station.

The US based non-profit “Project Expedite Justice” and the Ukrainian NGO “Truth Hounds” have published the report “Submerged” on the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and its impacts on the residents, the ecosystems, the agriculture and its implications for international justice. Researchers and authors of the study will present main findings and discuss further perspectives for the region. 

At the same time, the event kicks off the broader “Ukrainians for Ecology” campaign of the Berlin based NGO “Vitsche”, aiming to draw more attention to environmental effects of the war in general and to create and spread expertise.

Speakers

• Kateryna Demerza, Curator of the project Ukrainians for Ecology, Vitsche
• Pascal Turlan, Legal and Program Director at Project Expedite Justice, Adjunct Professor at ScPo
• Shaun Burnie, senior nuclear specialist with Greenpeace Germany
• Myroslava Markova, Junior Investigator and Documenter at Project Expedite Justice is the author of the chapter of the report describing the economic impact of the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam
• Andriy Bilenkyi (online), Agricultural expert at Project Expedite Justice,
• Roman Koval, Head of Research at Truth Hounds
• Andrii Latsyba, a Lawyer at Truth Hounds
• Maria Sahaidak, Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security

Moderation: Robert Sperfeld, Heinrich Böll Stiftung

Language: English with translation into German

Further Readings: The Report “Submerged”

Contact:

Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung:
Anna Antonina Łysiak
lysiak@boell.de

Vitsche e.V.
Ernest Dmitriev
e.dmitriev@vitsche.org 

Your Participation in the event

» Participation on site
at the the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Conference Center, Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin

Please register in advance. Unfortunately, the number of seats for this event are limited. If we are at capacity, the conversation will be transmitted via video to other rooms.

» Livestream
Alternatively, you can follow the event via the livestream without registering.

We are excited to announce the list of selected artists for the artistic fellowship of the “Truth to Justice” project: 

• Olesia Saienko and Anna Potyomkina, 
• fantasticlittlesplash (Lera Malchenko and Oleksandr Hants),
• Valeria Barbas, 
• Catenation (Sylvia Hinz and Jeanne Artemis)

Starting in September, these artists will have a two-month online curatorial fellowship. In December, they will present their projects on our platform and attend the “Truth to Justice” conference on disinformation. 

Curator: Kseniia Malykh 

Project in cooperation with Arta Azi. 

Funded by @Auswärtiges Amt 

Stay tuned!

#CivilSocietyCooperation 

On August 24th, Ukraine’s Independence Day, we came together to send a powerful message of solidarity. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our event at the Brandenburg Gate.

From 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, we worked together to weave a camouflage net for Ukrainian volunteers operating on the frontlines. It was truly inspiring to see so many people take part in this important task, showing their support for Ukraine. 

At around 16:45, however, something unpredictable happened. A man walked up to the stage where our presenters were speaking. It seemed as if he wanted to attack them. However, he was pushed away and while the police were called, he started to harm himself with a knife. The police reacted quickly, disarmed the man and took him away. After a short break, our demonstration continued. Despite the shock, we didn’t let it get us down. It was a classic act of sabotage, designed to stop us from our demonstration and bring it to a premature end. More information will follow.

Between 6:35 PM and 7:35 PM, we held a demonstration where our speakers delivered powerful messages. They called for comprehensive military aid, a halt to russian oil and gas imports, and the release of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. In light of the dangerous developments in Germany, such as the freezing of military aid and the spread of russian propaganda, it was more important than ever to send a strong signal to policymakers.

Here are some quotes from our speakers that perfectly capture the spirit and determination of the participants: 

“The whole world has been witnessing this in Ukraine for the last two and a half years. But it’s been centuries since russia has been trying its best to suppress and “russify” Ukraine with Crimea being its favorite bit.

For centuries russia has been trying to get rid of the Indigenous peoples of Crimea, not only Crimean Tatars but Karaites (or Karaims) and Krymchaks, too.

In 2014 the whole world witnessed how russia annexed my homeland Crimea, and the international community didn’t do much for the sake of not escalating the situation. Today we are dealing with the consequences of such silence.“ – Elnara Nuriieva-Letova.

“These days, Ukraine is trying to gain space, trying to convince people that it needs more support, and this all in a country that owes its freedom to international support. […] And today the Federal Republic of Germany stands silently by and says: “A balanced budget is more important than external security; the delivery of Taurus is an unnecessary escalation; the frozen russian assets must not be legally attacked; and we must find an agreement on interest rates.”

Yes, it is enough for the triumph of evil if the good guys do nothing or little. Every extra euro spent, every extra weapon produced, every better explanation of why we Germans must stand by Ukraine is money well spent.” – Roderich Kiesewetter

“It’s nice to see you today in Vyshyvankas and the Ukrainian flag… but I have one request: wear it every day. Make Ukraine visible. On social media and in everyday life. Make it clear that the war is not over yet.” – Frank Peter Wilde

Once again, a big thank you to everyone who made this event a success with their presence and commitment. Your solidarity with Ukraine means so much to us!

Dear supporters of freedom and democracy,
Dear friends of Ukraine,

On August 24th, Ukraine’s Independence Day, we organize a demo not only to celebrate Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty but also to express our deep concern about the current political and social developments in Germany. While people in Ukraine risk their lives for independence and the protection of democratic values, we witness developments here in Germany that are not only troubling but also dangerous.

The recent proposals from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Chancellor’s Office to freeze urgently needed military aid for Ukraine and instead rely on russian assets send a fatal signal. These funds are neither available nor is it clear when and to what extent they could be used. Instead of actively supporting Ukraine, this decision conveys indecision and naivety. For russia, this is a sign that Germany is not ready to take decisive action against russian aggression. Such signals exacerbate the situation and make us appear weak in the eyes of the aggressor.

Equally concerning is the growing spread of misinformation and russian propaganda by parties like the BSW and the AfD, which are gaining increasing popularity. These parties use disinformation to divide society and weaken resistance against russia. We also see that far-right groups in Germany are becoming more visible and striking with violence, while russian agents continue their activities unchecked because they are not taken seriously enough. These developments pose a serious threat to our democracy and our shared security.

It is obvious that the responsibility is not being adequately assumed, and the threat from russia and its accomplices is being underestimated. We can no longer run away from this and pretend it is different. Appeasement is not the turning point we need. We cannot again claim we didn’t know what was happening—as was the case during World War II. This time, we know exactly what is at stake, and it is our duty to take responsibility.

Whether consciously or unconsciously, by passive behavior, we are sabotaging international solidarity and enabling russia to continue its aggression. We must act now to prevent this.

Our demands are, therefore, clear:

• Comprehensive military aid until Ukraine wins: 

Germany must continue to support Ukraine sustainably with all necessary means. This includes the delivery of modern weapon systems such as missile defense systems and Taurus cruise missiles, which are crucial for the defense of Ukrainian independence. Furthermore, we demand that Ukraine be granted the right to strike russia as far as necessary for its defense and victory. There must be no artificial restrictions that limit the effectiveness of the Ukrainian armed forces.

• End of oil and gas exports from russia: 

russia’s “shadow fleet” of old and uninsured oil tankers not only poses an enormous environmental risk but also allows russia to continue its oil exports despite price caps. Despite sanctions, the EU continues to import russian gas, including LNG. These imports must be stopped immediately.

• Stopping the financing of the russian war by foreign companies: 

Over 1,000 companies headquartered in G7 countries continue to do business in russia and pay taxes to the Kremlin. These companies must no longer evade their responsibility with flimsy excuses. Their funds finance russian war machinery and must be stopped.

• Halting the import of high-priority goods: 

russia continues to import sanctioned dual-use goods and advanced technologies that are found on the battlefield in Ukraine or deemed critical for russia’s military. These imports must be effectively halted.

• Return of deported children: 

Thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to russia. We demand their immediate return. This is a clear violation of international law and an unbearable violation of human rights.

• Release of Ukrainian civilian and military prisoners: 

Germany must provide more resources to secure the release of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war from russian captivity and increase pressure on its allies.

On Independence Day, we send a clear message: We will not remain silent. We will not stand by and watch as Ukraine’s freedom and independence are jeopardized. We demand decisive action—here and now. Together, we can help Ukraine win this war and ensure that freedom and democracy prevail.

Slava Ukraini!

On 24.8, we call on everyone to participate in the performative demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate. Together, during these 5 hours of the demo, we will create a camouflage net with the accompanying music from Ukrainian DJs and use our voices for speeches and demands.

With this kind of demo, we want us all to unite and show that we know the actual cost of independence and freedom. It requires action, not just words. Let us show Ukrainians who are defending Europe from the russian invasion that we stand by them. 

This camouflage net will be made for Ukrainian volunteers working in frontline areas, constantly targeted by russian attacks. It is crucial to protect and shield them. Their safety depends on it.

Click Here: To join the camouflage net weaving group.

No previous experience required, we will teach you the essentials. If you are not weaving the net, just stay for the demo as a participant, bringing your strong voice to demand support needed for Ukrainian victory.

24.08

16:00-21:00
Brandenburger Tor, Platz des 18.März

We invite everyone to come and spend Ukrainian Independence Day together in solidarity and support.

“The Nexus of Decision24” 

Augustow, Poland

The Nexus of Decision 2024: Poland, Ukraine, Germany

An interdisciplinary journey into the substance of Memory, Freedom, Peace, and Security.

Organizers: Vitsche e.V., 

Co-organizers: Pilecki-Institut Berlin and Augustów 

Partner:  Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

Sponsors: Stiftung für Deutsch-Polnische Zusammenarbeit

Curator: Kataryna Tarabukina

For whom: philosophers, historians, political scientists, interdisciplinary artists, writers, researchers, peacebuilders, international relationships, memory studies, international security studies, aged 20-45, from Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.

When: 15-21.11.2024

Where: Augustów Pilecki Institute (Poland)

Language of residency: English

Deadline for application: 15.09.2024

OVERVIEW

“The Nexus of Decision” is an annual intensive week-long residency-academy dedicated to the concept of “Decision” in social, political, historical, existential, and other dimensions. It is designed for 15 young open-call selected participants from 3 countries: Ukraine, Poland, and Germany. This program focuses on the perspective of choice and decision, particularly influenced by the impactful Russian aggression in Ukraine. 

“The Nexus of Decision23” took place for the first time in the residency of Stiftung Genshagen and Berlin last year. During the workshops and seminars, the Polish-German-Ukrainian group discussed the sources of understanding of concepts such as peace, freedom, and security from the perspectives of political science, history, philosophy, memory cultures, and art. 

Learn more about previous residency-academy: https://berlin.instytutpileckiego.pl/de/news/nexus-2023 

This year, “The Nexus of Decisions24” we all meet in Augustow (Poland) to center on crucial historical, social, security, and cross-cultural aspects. The aim is to deepen mutual understanding among our three geopolitical regions, fostering collaboration for coherence in Europe. We aim to engage young intellectuals in debate and share their experience of their geopolitical region. The focus extends to comprehending the future of our security and exploring sustainable long-term peace solutions. Given the imminent tensions surrounding security decisions for Eastern European countries and the European Union. In the turbulent election years 2024 and 2025, there is a critical need for an educational effort to enhance explicit and informed discussion on international relations. Within this context, it becomes imperative to recognize historical precedents, particularly decisions made during 20th-century peace negotiations that significantly influenced enduring security challenges in the 21st century. The current environment is marked by ongoing conflicts and fragile peace agreements, lacking a comprehensive retrospective analysis. 

An interdisciplinary residency-academy program offering intensive blocks of lectures, workshops, and city/museum tours led by top scholars and practitioners from Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.

Main blocks of seminars, workshops, lectures: 

Memory and Mythology.

Memory and myths shape our history, politics, culture, and philosophy. Beyond relics of the past, they are dynamic forces molding our present and future. Explore historical myths, propaganda, and cultural blind spots in the West’s knowledge of the East, influencing decisions regarding ongoing aggression in Europe.

Long-term cooperation to reach sustainable peace. 

This section explores the complex geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the risks of peace negotiations with today’s Russia. It underscores the dangers of diplomatic engagement without fully understanding the historical context between Russia and Europe, focusing on the nuanced perspective needed. The objective is to empower individuals to critically assess decisions made by communities, states, and diverse stakeholders, advocating for strategies that ensure long-term global peace, freedom, and security. 

New Crises, New Paradigms.

In this block, we will explore how to navigate through the new crises and challenges that Germany, Ukraine, and Poland face after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and the Global Security ecosystem.  We assess the potential rightwing ascendancy in Germany and its correlation with state security and security in the EU. Additionally, we’ll examine how new paradigms seem to emerge as consequences of old problems that were long set aside and how turbulent the decisions towards security and freedom are reshaping Germany, Poland and Ukraine as well as the whole of Europe. 

SELECTION

Participants will be selected in an Open Call procedure, with a maximum of 15 people (5 from Germany, 5 from Ukraine, 5 from Poland). Refugees from Ukraine are welcome.

OUR OFFER INCLUDE

Participants will be selected in an Open Call procedure, with a maximum of 15 people (5 from Germany, 5 from Ukraine, 5 from Poland). 

Temporary displaced people from Ukraine are welcome.

The program covers:

1. Participation in the lectures, seminars, and workshops of the residency program „The Nexus of Decision 2024″
2. Accommodation and catering in Augustów are covered in full. 
3. Travelling expenses for participants from Poland and Germany are covered in the range of up to 60,00 euros.
4. Travelling expenses for participants from Ukraine are covered in full. 
5. Selected participants will be picked up/dropped off from/to Warsaw.

AN APPLICATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED ONLY THROUGH ONLINE FORM

1. The application should be submitted only through this application form https://forms.gle/EGx2aSd1aQQXRhyR9
2. The organisers reserve the right to contact the selected candidate(s) for additional online interviews if needed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The application form should be fielded on the deadline;
• Application documents will be accepted in English only;
• Courses, lectures and workshops will be held in English;
• The results of the recruitment procedure will be announced by 10.10.2024. 
• The list of selected participants will be published:

– on Vitsche e.V. website https://vitsche.org/ and social media pages
– on the website of the Pilecki Institute: pileckiinstitut.de and social media pages

If you have any questions, please send the email to kateryna.tarabukina@vitsche.org 

The organizers are not under any obligation to substantiate the enrolment committee’s decisions, and no appeal procedure has been provided. For candidates selected to participate in the project, the present document will constitute an attachment to the agreement concluded between any such candidate and Vitsche e.V.

Organizer: Vitsche

Co-organizer: Pilecki-Institut Berlin and Augustów

Partner: KAS (Konrad Adenauer Stiftung)

Sponsored by: SDPZ (Stiftung für Deutsch-Polnische Zusammenarbeit)

We invite early-career researchers from Ukraine, Moldova, and Germany to join the Truth to Justice Platform, an initiative to combat russian disinformation through a collaborative network of media, art, and academic professionals.

Project Overview: The Truth to Justice Platform is an international initiative designed to combat the pervasive threat of russian disinformation through a collaborative network of media, art, and academic professionals. 

This project aims to raise awareness and actively engage stakeholders in addressing and countering disinformation, with a specific focus on the complexities introduced by russian hybrid warfare. The alarming entanglement in Germany of russian propaganda, particularly among individuals who distrust established media, underscores the urgency of this initiative. The russian invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated the situation through systematic disinformation campaigns, affecting the daily lives of millions. The German government’s engagement at the Munich Security Conference highlights the severity of this threat. The longstanding experiences of Ukraine and Moldova in combating russian propaganda serve as a crucial foundation for this project.

Fellowship Details:

• Application Deadline: August 19, 2024, 23:59
• Initial Screening: August 19-21, 2024
• Interviews: August 21–August 26, 2024

Our offer includes:

• • Three-Months online fellowship mentored and supported by our external expert, Dr. Dmytro Iarovyi, Associate Professor at the Graduate Department of Social Sciences and Humanities at Kyiv School of Economics.

  • Development of policy-paper

  • A fellowship program is granted for 1,200.00 Euro monthly

  • Panel Talk during the conference in Berlin in December

  • Transport and accommodation in Berlin during the conference

  • Publication on the platform Truth to Justice and KSE Joined policy-paper

Eligibility:

1. Participants must be either early-career researchers from Ukraine, Germany or Moldova:

• individuals who have completed their PhD not earlier than 2021 and have affiliation with the academic institution,
• those currently studying at PhD programs,
• or those planning to enter PhD programs,
• or communication practitioners working in the areas related to combating disinformation, media analytics, or hybrid warfare in NGO, governmental (inter-governmental) institution, or else.

2. Participants must be fluent in English.

3. Participants must have willingness to contribute to an international platform and share their knowledge and experience.

4. Academic, policy, or media publications are an additional advantage.

Expected Outcomes:

1. 1. For PhD holders and current PhD students, and for the communication practitioners: policy paper 

      • A clear set of practical policy recommendations in information policy tailored to the contexts of Ukraine, Moldova, or Germany, or Europe as a region.

      • Identification of best practices that can be shared and adapted among these countries, and blueprint for international cooperation in combating information disorders.

      • The final policy paper, approximately, 9000 words long, will be delivered by the 29th November. It will include an executive summary, detailed analysis, and actionable recommendations.

   2. For prospective PhD applicants: research proposal

• • • Comprehensive research proposal outlining a clear plan for a comparative study, with the identification of potential funding sources and collaboration opportunities.

    • The final research proposal, approximately, 7000 words long, will be delivered by the 29th November. It will include a clear research question, detailed research plan, methodology, and anticipated impact.

How to apply?

Submit your CV, cover letter, and project description by August 19, 2024, following the link.   

#CivilSocietyCooperation