‘A clear message of support for Ukraine’ at the UCL Baltic Symposium

Experts from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania gathered on March 27 at the University College London Baltic Symposium 2023 to discuss changes in the security architecture in Northern Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, communications and the role of media during wartime, as well as the Baltic NGO experience with supporting Ukraine.

Expert in Baltic affairs and journalist Edward Lucas lead the first panel in which Baltic speakers covered regional security situation following Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. There was a common understanding that democratic and like-minded nations must remain united in condemning Russia’s actions, in setting sanctions against Russia, and in providing all kinds of support for Ukraine. Countries also must continue investing significantly in their own defence. It was highlighted that the Baltic countries were among the first and the most prominent in pointing out Russia’s threats for the Northern European region. The Baltic countries must carry on explaining and standing up for continued support for Ukraine in international fora. Latvia’s representative in this panel was Dr. Toms Rostoks who is Director of the Centre for Security and Strategic Research at the National Defence Academy of Latvia.

Speakers on the panel on communications and media in wartime saw European Union sanctions against Russia’s propaganda outlets having a limiting effect on Russia’s ability to influence opinions of European societies. Over time the Baltic countries have been successful in increasing their peoples’ resilience against Kremlin’s disinformation. The three countries have strengthened minority media and media literacy, and have welcomed independent media journalists from Russia and Belarus. Latvia’s panellist Viktors Makarovs, who is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Special Envoy on Digital Issues, described Latvia’s overall successful experience in strengthening its resilience against Russia’s information manipulations. Makarovs emphasized that disinformation needs to be addressed without compromising the freedom of expression.

The third panel of the symposium featured Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian NGO representatives who have organized support for Ukraine and refugees. They urged those taking part in supporting Ukraine to adopt long term thinking regarding resources and solutions. Latvia’s speaker Linda Jākobsone-Gavala, board member and project manager at “I Want to Help Refugees,” highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of providing specialized mental health support to Ukrainian refugees and their families. To learn more about the Baltic NGOs supporting Ukraine visit their websites: “I Want to Help Refugees”, Estonian Refugee Council, “Blue/ Yellow.”

The UCL Baltic Symposium is organized biennially by the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES), Embassies of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania and the Baltic Council in Great Britain. Support for the Symposium also came from the British Latvian Association, British Lithuanian Society, Estonian House London and the Latvian Educational Foundation.

Event programme is available online.