Tbilisi panel discussion marks two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

The Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (Rondeli Foundation) has joined forces with the Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia, with support from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), to host a panel discussion in Tbilisi on Friday commemorating the two-year anniversary of Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine. 

The event, being held at the Stamba Hotel in Tbilisi, brought together experts, diplomats, and stakeholders to analyze the ongoing conflict and its ramifications.

Despite Ukraine’s notable achievements in reclaiming over 50 percent of its initially seized territory and severely hampering the military capabilities of the Russian Black Sea fleet through a series of successful counteroffensives, Russia remains entrenched in the occupied regions, the organization said. 

The relentless attacks persist, targeting military frontlines, Ukrainian cities, critical infrastructure, and civilian populations. This sustained aggression is fueled by Russia’s recruitment of hundreds of thousands of additional soldiers and the procurement of arms and components from sympathetic autocratic regimes, it added. 

While Western sanctions have dealt significant blows to the Russian economy, the Kremlin’s war machine continues to operate with impunity. Ukrainian officials have called upon Western governments to bolster military assistance to Ukrainian defense forces and intensify economic sanctions against Russia. These measures are deemed essential to tipping the scales in Ukraine’s favor, facilitating the liberation of all occupied territories and the restoration of full sovereignty, the organizers noted. 

The stressed in tandem with these efforts, Ukraine is actively rallying international support for President Zelenskyy’s 10-point Peace Formula. Central to this initiative is the forthcoming Global Peace Summit, slated to be hosted by Switzerland in 2024. Additionally, Ukraine is pursuing accession to NATO and seeking security guarantees from the alliance, coinciding with NATO’s preparations for its 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington in July 2024.

The panel discussion convened esteemed experts to evaluate the current outcomes of Russia’s invasion, assess the feasibility of achieving victory over Russian aggression, and underscore the perils of appeasing Putin’s regime through calls for territorial concessions in exchange for peace.