Feedback Form
During his visit to Kyiv, Timothy Garton Ash met with representatives of the Ukrainian business community. The event was jointly organized by the Frontier Institute and CEO Club.
Timothy Garton Ash, a distinguished British historian and public intellectual, offers a rare and valuable perspective on contemporary European affairs thanks to his deep understanding of both Western and Central Europe. Fluent in German and Polish, and actively engaged in Central European discourse, he plays a crucial role in interpreting complex geopolitical realities for broader audiences. His frequent visits and thoughtful engagement have made him an important bridge between Britain and continental Europe, particularly regarding Eastern European issues. Like Timothy Snyder in the U.S., Garton Ash has significantly contributed to amplifying Ukrainian perspectives in the West. His influence has grown as Britain’s position on Russia has shifted, especially since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. For Ukrainians, Britain’s historical memory of World War II resonates with their current struggle, creating an emotional and moral connection that Garton Ash helps articulate to the wider world.
Key points from the conversation:
Ukraine marks the beginning of a new historical era
February 24, 2022, is not only a national trauma for Ukraine — it also symbolizes the end of two historical periods (post-1945 and post-1989) and the start of a new, uncertain era in European and global history.
Three major geopolitical shocks define the current age:
- Putin shock: Russia’s full-scale invasion shattered the foundations of European security.
- Xi shock: Many non-Western powers (e.g., China, India, Brazil) either support or tolerate Russia, highlighting the reality of a post-Western world.
- Trump shock: The transatlantic West as a geopolitical actor is in question, with Europe’s dependence on U.S. security guarantees increasingly uncertain.
Europe stands at a crossroads: integration or disintegration
Forces pushing toward deeper European unity (e.g., defense cooperation, post-COVID recovery, response to Russian aggression) compete with rising nationalist and populist movements (e.g., in Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, France, and the UK).
Ukraine’s future is inseparable from Europe’s
The success or failure of Ukraine’s integration, reform, and reconstruction will directly shape the future of the EU — and vice versa. A fragmented Ukraine threatens European cohesion; a fragmented Europe undermines Ukraine’s path to integration.
The most dangerous moment may come not during war, but with an ambiguous peace
Domestically, Ukraine may face growing tensions among its "five Ukraines": those on the front lines, people in occupied territories, internally displaced persons, residents of relatively peaceful regions, and Ukrainians living abroad.
Internationally, there is a real risk of Western disengagement based on the illusion that “the war is over.” This already happened in Bosnia after the Dayton Agreement (1995): peace was declared, international attention faded, and deep-seated problems remain unresolved to this day.
A cautionary call for vigilance
Garton Ash warns against repeating past mistakes and emphasizes the need for continued Western engagement — even during a fragile or partial ceasefire. “Peace” must not mean abandonment.
