In partnership with the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies at the City University of New York (CUNY), the National Committee on American Foreign Policy hosted an invitation-only program about the ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on regional and global security. This conversation featured Ambassador Andrii Melnyk, Permanent Representative of the Ukraine Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador (ret.) Roman Popadiuk, former and first U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, and Ambassador (ret.) Susan M. Elliott, President and CEO of the NCAFP, who also moderated the discussion.

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After almost four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country, Ukraine’s resistance remains as a defining factor in greater European stability. Ambassador Melnyk noted that the evolving relationship between Kyiv and Washington reflects a new “atmosphere of trust” and encouraged further engagement to support a long-term partnership. The conversation also addressed U.S. defence packages to Ukraine. Ambassador Popadiuk explained that providing Ukraine with defence equipment could force the Russians to “consider their position.” Nonetheless, concerns regarding equipment availability and delivery remain.

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Ambassador Melnyk reflected that Ukraine relies on united military, economic, and diplomatic pressure to achieve peacebuilding initiatives. He also stated the importance of implementing secondary sanctions. Such sanctions would be imposed on nations that indirectly finance Russia’s war offensive through energy imports. Both featured speakers noted that transatlantic alignment is essential to effective restrictions while signaling a unified front. Ambassador Popadiuk reiterated that consistent, forward-focused U.S. support remains vital for Ukrainian deterrence. However, he cautioned against implementing restrictions on Ukraine’s usage of weapons systems, as not to limit strategic flexibility or to provide Moscow with advanced warning as negotiation efforts are ongoing.

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Both Ambassadors agree that a Ukrainian recovery cannot be postponed until the end of war fighting. Reconstruction efforts, which are now estimated to be in excess of $524 billion, will require coordination between governments, multilateral institutions, and the private sector. They stressed that the human aspects of reconstruction (safe returns, education, community rebuilding) will heavily influence the success of any future peace agreement.

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The discussion examined how Russia’s domestic political climate and closed information systems support the endurance of the Russian war effort. Ambassador Popadiuk added that a stalemate situation would depend on battlefield conditions or could evolve if internal change within Russia alters its course.

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Ambassador Elliott provided the concluding remarks and stated that, although we are witnessing early efforts by the Trump Administration to negotiate a ceasefire, both the Russians and the Ukrainians are proud nations and would need to make difficult compromises — either in territory or in security guarantees —to find a resolution.

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Questions taken from the audience ranged from hybrid and information-warfare, the recent airspace violations from Russia, and the dedication of nonprofits helping with displacement and refugee resettlements. A light reception followed the program, and audience members continued with informal conversations with the distinguished panel.