In cooperation with the Center for US-Ukrainian Relations, AFPC hosted an April 2014 roundtable briefing featuring General Ihor Smeshko, former head of Ukraine’s security service and a past Defense Attaché of Ukraine to the U.S.
General Smeshko visited the U.S. to ask the Obama administration and Congress for non-lethal military provisions and military training for Ukrainian soldiers. He also briefed members of the Ukrainian-American community on the unfolding crisis. Gen. Smeshko’s description of the military and political tensions between Ukraine and Russia and the various ways they could play out held the attention of everyone attending the briefing at AFPC’s headquarters.
It was clear from the presentation the General felt Russian-Ukrainian relations would not be normal for some time, at best. At worst, Russian tanks could roll into Ukraine, generating what would be a long guerilla war.
AFPC co-sponsored conferences on Ukraine and related briefings given by AFPC experts are planned for the months ahead.
Additionally, AFPC authors continue to write about Ukraine’s struggle. In recent months, their work has appeared in the pages of the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Washington Times, and many other publications. An archive of these articles can be accessed online at afpc.org.
Regardless of the outcome, AFPC will continue to closely follow events in the region and provide expert analysis via media interviews and op-eds, co-sponsored conferences and briefings for U.S. policymakers.