Amidst challenges, Ukraine’s resilience is powered by the collective efforts of its citizens and global allies. Highlighted in this edition, the latest Razumkov Center survey reveals Ukrainian optimism and perspectives on the country’s future. Further, we spotlight our partner’s advocacy tour of European capitals, along with impactful local initiatives of civil society organizations. These actions reflect the robust and forward-looking spirit of Ukraine’s civil society. Explore with us the significant progress toward a promising future!
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Following Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, there has been a notable surge in the proportion of citizens expressing optimism about the country’s trajectory. According to Razumkov Center’s poll, conducted in January 2024, 33% of Ukrainians believe Ukraine can overcome existing issues within the next few years, while 42% anticipate a longer resolution timeline. Conversely, 9% harbor skepticism about Ukraine’s ability to surmount these challenges. Optimism was notably higher in late 2022 and early 2023, with figures reaching 49%, 36%, and 3% respectively. Conversely, assessments before the onset of full-scale invasion in December 2021 were markedly more pessimistic.
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Civil Society Highlights
International Center for Ukrainian Victory Calls for Confiscation of Russia’s Frozen Assets and Stronger Sanctions in European Capitals Tour
Through January-February, the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) embarked on advocacy trips to European capitals, including Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Brussels, and Copenhagen. The CSO’s representatives conducted a series of meetings with high-ranking officials, government representatives, and experts to advocate for the confiscation of Russia’s frozen assets, reinforce intensified sanctions, and seek increased defense assistance for Ukraine.
On January 22, in collaboration with the Ukrainian diaspora in Italy and Communities Armies Ukraine, the ICUV orchestrated a “Make Russia Pay” demonstration in Modena, Italy, drawing hundreds of participants to protest Russia’s propaganda. The activists presented a large receipt detailing the damages inflicted upon Ukraine, amounting to USD 300 billion, while advocating for the confiscation of Russia’s sovereign assets.
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Olexiy Haran Receives Annual Petro Mohyla Award
On January 25, the Academic Council of NaUKMA presented the award to Professor Oleksiy Haran, Research Director of the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation,recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of social sciences in 2023. His series of works, focused on the “Global Consequences of Russian’s Aggression in Ukraine,” delve into the geopolitical aftermath of Russia’s invasion, assess Ukraine’s ongoing engagement with Eastern partners, and examine the repercussions of the conflict in Southeast Asia.
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City of Smart Kicks Off an Outdoor Campaign to Decommunize Sumy Streets
On February 5, the City of Smart initiated an information campaign in Sumy to address the renaming of streets and parks that still bore names of Russian and Soviet figures untouched in 2022. Activists installed citylights in the downtown area to emphasize the importance of concluding the decommunization process. In 2022, Sumy successfully renamed around 200 streets, but there are still about 20 objects awaiting renaiming.
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CHESNO Movement Demands Google Enhance Transparency in Ukraine’s Political Ad Spending
On February 5, the CHESNO Movement issued a call to Google, urging for greater transparency in political advertising spending in Ukraine. They stress the importance of access to this information, especially in anticipation of the first post-war elections. Additionally, they highlight that transparency in political advertising is essential for ensuring accountability of parties and transparency in future electoral processes.
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Center for Civil Liberties Invites to Join the Global Action Against War Criminals in Ukraine
Join the global action led by the Center for Civil Liberties to advocate for security worldwide and demand justice for war crimes committed in Ukraine. Choose from two options: Option 1 involves organizing a 15-minute performance in your city to highlight the need for convicting war criminals, with all necessary materials provided upon request. Option 2 is participation in peaceful rallies with posters emphasizing the message of global security. Promo period: February 20-24, 2024.
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Opportunities
Check Our Opportunities and Join Us!
- We are pleased to introduce our updated and enhanced Request for Applications for civil society initiatives. It provides expanded institutional and project support, contributing to increased citizen participation in democratic processes, strengthening confidence in civil society, and advancing Ukraine’s drive towards victory. We encourage you to review its terms and conditions, submit your applications, and join us in empowering civil society in Ukraine!
- We invite qualified vendors to visit our website’s procurement section to access the latest consultant requests for USAID/ENGAGE – https://bit.ly/3u391QK
- Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings – https://bit.ly/3UKgGN7
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Webinar: Grants from the USAID and FCDO “Promoting Integrity in the Public Sector” Program (Pro-Integrity)
Join an informative online meeting, dedicated to the new USAID and FCDO “Promoting Integrity in the Public Sector” Program and its grant opportunities. The session is scheduled for Friday, 16th February, at 16:00 Kyiv time. To receive the access link to the Microsoft Teams meeting, kindly complete a brief questionnaire. During the webinar, you’ll gain insights into the thematic focus of the project’s grant component, opportunities for grantees from various regions, and the essential documents to prepare in advance for future competitions.
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What We Read
In Year Three of the Ukraine War, It’s Time to Learn the Lessons of the First Two
As the second anniversary of Russia’s all-out war against Ukraine approaches, the time is right to take stock of the past year and look ahead to the third year of the war. This is not an abstract exercise, but an essential task Ukraine and its supporters face as they prepare to make critical policy decisions. Read the material by Eugene Rumer, a senior fellow and the director of Carnegie’s Russia and Eurasia Program to learn more.
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