Author: Timothy Snyder

In the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine, President Zelensky and the Biden administration face crucial decisions that will determine the country’s fate. Ukraine’s leaders are emphasizing the need for a realistic approach to negotiations with Russia, highlighting the importance of demonstrating strength to achieve peace. They present a strategic victory plan that hinges on external support to counter Russian aggression effectively. The Biden administration has a historic opportunity to leave a lasting impact in foreign policy by decisively aiding Ukraine. However, past miscalculations and underestimations of Ukraine’s resilience have hindered full support. As the conflict continues to unfold,…

In March 2023, a lecture was delivered at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, focusing on freedom in wartime Ukraine. The discussion stemmed from a conference held in 2014 as the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. The speaker emphasized the importance of thinking together about freedom during conflicts, breaking down the concept into aspects like speech, risk, obligation, and security. The lecture highlighted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s actions during the invasion, specifically his choice to stay in Kyiv and the risks he took to speak truth to power. It addressed the misconceptions around freedom…