Butyrka Prison - Moscow

Understanding the economic, political, and security elements of Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery.Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has reverberated profoundly across the global landscape, emphasizing the immediate need to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and ensure the security and prosperity of its citizens. The resilience of Ukraine and its forthcoming reforms hinge heavily on Western political support, post-war security measures, and adept navigation of political challenges.This joint discussion by the Center for European Policy Analysis and the Kyiv School of Economics Institute will outline proactive measures for fortifying Ukraine’s state, economy, security, and infrastructure as well as the prospect of EU integration to deter future Russian aggression. It will also highlight the findings of the latest report, “Resilience, Reconstruction, Recovery: The Path Ahead for Ukraine.”Speakers:  Volodymyr Dubovyk, Senior Fellow, Democratic Resilience, Center for European Policy Analysis Sam Greene, Director, Democratic Resilience, Center for European Policy Analysis Elina Ribakova, Director of the International Affairs Program and Vice President For Foreign Policy, Kyiv School of Economics Anna Vlasyuk, Research Fellow, Kyiv School of Economics Moderated by: Ilona Sologub,  Head, VoxUkraine 

Reclaiming Crimea's future resilience and security.This month, as Crimea marks 10-years since its illegal annexation, Russia continues to forcefully and unlawfully occupy Ukrainian territory. What measures can the global community take to support the return of Crimea to Ukraine? This discussion will explore the strategies for liberating the peninsula, human rights and repression and best practices for restoring indigenous rights.Welcome Remarks:Sam Greene, Director, Democratic Resilience, Center for European Policy Analysis Speakers: David J. Kramer, Executive Director, The George W. Bush Institute Alena Lunova, Advocacy Director, Zmina Human Rights Center Denys Sienik, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Ukraine to the United States Maria Tomak, Head, Crimea Platform Department, Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Moderated by:  Elina Beketova, Democracy Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis  

Minister for Defence Andris Sprūds reflects on Latvia’s 20 years of NATO membership and the country’s support for Ukraine amid a changing landscape in Europe.This year marks Latvia’s 20th anniversary as a member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Since Latvia’s accession, what have been the major successes of the partnership, and how has that relationship evolved? How has Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine impacted defense priorities in the wider Baltic region? How is the country adapting to the changing security landscape in Europe?Speaker:  H.E. Andris Sprūds, Minister for Defence, Republic of LatviaModerated by:  Elina Beketova, Democracy Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis 

Ambassador Jean-Arthur Régibeau discusses Belgium’s defense and security priorities, as well as the country’s continued support for Ukraine.As the current holder of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, what steps is Belgium taking to enhance the EU’s collective defense and security? Ambassador Jean-Arthur Régibeau sits down with Patrick Turner to discuss Belgium’s role in fostering transatlantic cooperation and continued support for Ukraine. This discussion is part of CEPA’s “State of the Alliance,” a series bringing together thought leaders from Europe and North America to deliberate on the most pressing challenges facing allies and partners.Speaker:H.E. Jean-Arthur Régibeau, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the United StatesModerated by:Patrick Turner, Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Defense and Security, Center for European Policy Analysis

General Karel Řehka reflects on Czechia’s 25 years of NATO membership and the country’s support for Ukraine. As Czechia commemorates 25 years as a member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), what are the major successes of the partnership, and how has that relationship evolved? How has Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine impacted Czechia’s defense priorities and how is the country adapting to the changing security landscape in Europe? Lieutenant General Karel Řehka sits down with Catherine Sendak to discuss Czechia’s role in fostering transatlantic cooperation and continued support for Ukraine. This discussion is part of CEPA’s “State of the Alliance,” a series bringing together thought leaders from Europe and North America to deliberate on the most pressing challenges facing allies and partners.Speaker:  Lieutenant General Karel Řehka, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, Czech Republic  Moderated by:  Catherine Sendak, Director, Transatlantic Defense and Security, Center for European Policy Analysis 

Transatlantic leaders and experts gather to address the state of the US-EU cooperation on critical minerals and green technologies.Critical minerals are essential to power green technologies and combat climate change, with the global supply chain dominated by China. The US and EU aim to curb their reliance on Beijing, but risk competing against each other rather than coordinating. Is transatlantic cooperation the key to meeting the green supply chain challenge? This event is hosted in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the United States.Speakers:  Lukasz Bednarski, Author, Lithium: The Global Race for Battery Dominance and the New Energy Revolution Abigail Hunter, Acting Executive Director, Center for Critical Minerals Strategy, SAFE  Aleksander Siemaszko, Deputy Director, Department for International Cooperation and Trade, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Republic of PolandModerated by:  Ronan Murphy, Director, Digital Innovation Initiative, Center for European Policy Analysis 

Although there is much secrecy surrounding Russia's penitentiary system, is even less is known about the country's correctional facilities that are home to some 45,000 female inmates, the highest of any nation in the world. Women inside Petchatniki Detention Center, Moscow's only female pre-trial facility and site Pussy Riot's detention, not only face overcrowding, corruption, and squalid living conditions but also additional hardships never faced by male inmates, from pregnancy behind bars to a systemic failure to protect women's mental and physical health.

In the center of Moscow lies a prison infamous for the inhumane treatment of inmates. Since its first incarnation 250 years ago, Butyrka Prison has been home to a long history of harsh living conditions, human rights violations, and spectacular escape attempts. While long notorious within Russia, in 2009, the death of Sergei Magnitsky brought global attention to Butyrka and became a focal point of rising international tensions between Russia and the West.

Over the last century, Saint Petersburg's Kresty Prison has been home to some of Russia’s most famous political activists, authors, poets, and scientists. The red brick walls on the banks of the Neva house 200 years of stories of oppression, brutality, and torture. However, more recent stories reveal an institution, with an already bleak reputation, only worsening in the last two decades under an increasingly authoritarian Russia.