THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL: CAN WE STILL SEE IT AND WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE?

The first large-scale war in Western Europe since World War II has brought shocking images of a real humanitarian catastrophe that point to drastic changes, including in the world of economics, politics and diplomacy. But sooner or later all wars come to the negotiating table. And then what? The question of possible solutions for further cultural, business and diplomatic relations with Russia and the region, the future of the Russian language and culture, is not a matter of goodwill, it is essential for the long-term peaceful future. In his lecture, Dr Vladimir Zherebov (Brussels Diplomatic Academy) will analyse the historical, political and cultural aspects of the current situation related to the Russian-Ukrainian war with regard to possible solutions and future prospects not only for Russia and Ukraine, but also for relations between the West and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the region that has until now been living under the long shadow of the Soviet Union.

Vladimir Zherebov holds a PhD in Slavic and East European Studies (KU Leuven), has many years of teaching experience and academic research in the field of the Russian-speaking world, its culture and language. He witnessed the final years and fall of the Soviet Union, the notorious period of Perestroika, followed by the turbulent 1990s, and the subsequent reconstruction of Russia into its current state. Dr Zherebov is currently Head of the Expert Group at the Brussels Diplomatic Academy (VUB) focusing on the Commonwealth of Independent States, researcher at the Faculty of Arts of KU Leuven and Visiting Professor at the College of Europe.