The Nuclear Dimensions of the War Against Ukraine

On 18 October 2023, the VCDNP and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) hosted an outreach event at the University of Innsbruck. The activity was organised within the framework of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), an effort of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) to engage the next generation and raise awareness of non-proliferation, disarmament, and arms control issues.

Titled “The Nuclear Dimensions of the War against Ukraine”, the event included two panels.

The first panel discussion was dedicated to the current geopolitical situation in Europe and to nuclear risks associated with the war against Ukraine, including the potential use of nuclear weapons, risks related to the safety and security of nuclear facilities, as well as the impact of the war on nuclear arms control and disarmament.

Speakers included (in order of appearance):

• Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President, IAI, who examined the origins of the war, discussing the overall geopolitical environment and challenges that led to the Russian invasion in February 2022;

• Dr. Nikolai Sokov, Senior Fellow, VCDNP, who discussed the nuclear dimension of the war, including the potential use of nuclear weapons, risks of escalation, as well as the impact that the war is generating on arms control and Russia-West relations more broadly; and

• Elena K. Sokova, Executive Director, VCDNP, who drew attention to the risks related to nuclear safety and security of nuclear facilities, including the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The second panel was dedicated to the work of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium and opportunities for young women and the next generation in the arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament field.

The panel featured (in order of appearance):

• Manuel Herrera, Senior Researcher, IAI, who provided an overview of the EUNPDC and its work, including specific activities organised by each member of the Consortium; and

• Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate, VCDNP, who discussed opportunities in the field available for students and young professionals, including those offered by the EUNPDC, such as internships, e-learning courses, and the YWNGI mentorship programme for young women.

Both panels were moderated by Martin Senn, Professor at the University of Innsbruck.

The Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI) is made possible by the generous support of the European Union. It aims to engage the next generation and raise awareness of non-proliferation, disarmament, and arms control issues. The VCDNP and IAI thank the University of Innsbruck for hosting the event.