On Tuesday, March 4, prominent experts, policymakers, and activists from Europe and the United States gathered for the international online conference “Ukraine and the World: Resisting Aggression, Defeating Authoritarianism.” Organized by CIVIL – Center for Freedom (North Macedonia), Media Dialogue, Youth4Media (Germany), and the New European People’s Forum (international), the conference provided a platform for urgent discussions on Russia’s war against Ukraine, the rise of authoritarianism, and the global disinformation threat.
Leading voices from civil society, media, academia, and politics strongly condemned Russia’s war crimes, missile and drone terror against civilians, and the hybrid warfare tactics targeting Ukraine and democracies worldwide. Participants underscored that appeasement only emboldens aggressors, calling for stronger international unity, decisive action in support of Ukraine, and a firm stance against dictatorships in Russia and across the globe, as well as authoritarian tendencies in established democracies.
The conference featured three key panel discussions:
“Resistance, Peace, and the New Axis of Autocracy” – Analyzing the consequences of political concessions to authoritarian leaders and the critical role of international solidarity in Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
“Defeating Putin and Authoritarianism: The Quest for Peace, Justice, and Democracy” – Exploring the broader impact of Russia’s aggression, the rise of far-right ideologies, and strategies for countering authoritarian influence.
“Disinformation as a Weapon: Countering Disinformation and Hybrid Warfare” – Addressing the Kremlin’s propaganda machine, its impact on public perception, and the urgent need for effective counter-strategies.
Speakers from Germany, France, United Kingdom, the United States, Ukraine, and North Macedonia emphasized the necessity of unwavering military, political, and humanitarian support for Ukraine. They warned that any hesitation or compromise with Putin is not only a betrayal of Ukraine but also a direct threat to global democracy.
The conference concluded with a call to action for policymakers, media, and civil society to enhance efforts in countering authoritarian narratives, combat disinformation, and reinforce democratic resilience.
Watch the full discussions and key speeches here:
