Kyiv Stratcom Forum 2026
On May 21, 2026, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the SPRAVDI Center for Strategic Communications, hosted the Kyiv Stratcom Forum 2026. The event focused on strengthening cognitive resilience in Ukraine and Europe while countering Russian influence. High-ranking officials in attendance included Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine; Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Peter Wagner, Director of the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.
The forum drew participants from several nations, among them the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, France, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania. Key discussion topics included:
- Domestic and societal resilience during wartime;
- International cognitive security;
- Historical manipulation and its narratives;
- Advancing education in cognitive security.
A new initiative called the 'New Military Landscape' was also unveiled during the event.
Key Speeches and Remarks
In his address, Andrii Sybiha stated:
“To defeat the parade of war criminals in Moscow, Ukraine today does not need to attack it—simply allowing it to proceed is enough. Paradoxical, yet effective. Ukraine holds one decisive advantage over the aggressor: the truth.”
Kyrylo Budanov noted: “Everyone knows Ukraine is a hospitable country. And then suddenly, a migrant crisis. They simply created a parallel reality.”
Maryana Betsa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, emphasized: “Russia adapts quickly to geopolitical shifts. This war is not only about Ukraine—it concerns Europe and global security as well.” She added, “Building resistance to FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) and cognitive warfare must be a top priority for any state.”
Ihor Solovey, head of the SPRAVDI Center for Strategic Communications, stressed the need to preserve and expand expertise in cognitive security. “That is why at the Center, we strive to both preserve and multiply this experience,” he said.
Peter Wagner highlighted that “Ukraine has transitioned from being a target to becoming a leader—one that not only withstands aggression but also responds to it.” He added, “We must be not only a shield but also a sword.”
The Kyiv Stratcom Forum 2026 served as a platform for addressing critical issues related to cognitive resilience and information defense, which are increasingly relevant in today’s challenging environment.
Such forums underscore the growing importance of information security, particularly in the face of hybrid threats confronting not just Ukraine but also other European nations. The participation of international experts and representatives from various countries highlights the global nature of these challenges and the need for collaborative efforts to overcome them. Importantly, these initiatives foster the exchange of experience and knowledge, helping to strengthen nations’ defenses against disinformation and propaganda.
As the discussion on cognitive resilience unfolds, it’s crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of security issues in Europe. Recent events, such as the Kyiv Security Forum addressing nuclear safety, highlight the ongoing challenges that nations face in safeguarding their interests against various threats, including misinformation and geopolitical tensions.