On March 3, 2022, Faculty of Business and Administration organized a public discussion on the topic of “Understanding the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine and its Implications for the Western Balkans”. The armed conflict in Ukraine first erupted in early 2014 and quickly transitioned to a long stalemate. Since Russia launched a full-scale military invasion into Ukraine in February 2022, fighting has already caused hundreds of civilian casualties and pushed tens of thousands of Ukrainians to flee to neighboring countries.
Speakers on this very current topic were academic staff from the International Relations study program, Assistant Professor Dr. Jahja Muhasilović; Associate Professor Dr. Joseph Jon Kaminski and Assistant Professor Dr. Kristian L. Nielsen. Audience had the opportunity to hear about the ongoing situation from different perspectives. Assistant Professor Dr. Jahja Muhasilović focused on the explanation of the cultural, linguistic and historical ties between Russia and Ukraine and causes of the invasion indicating that one of the main Russian goals of the invasion is the access to the warm seas and connection of so called native Russian territories such as Belarus and Ukraine. Assistant Professor Dr. Kristian L. Nielsen explained the invasion from the perspective of European Union claiming that current sanctions are causing incredible loss to the Russian oligarchy that support Putin’s regime. Associate Professor Dr. Joseph Jon Kaminski emphasized the role and importance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the world generally and especially in the Western Balkans. Professor Kaminski stated that USA is currently in a bad position because the NATO troops on the ground in Ukraine would create a broader conflict. He agreed with both presenters that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo should enter the EU and NATO as soon as possible as a counter measure and deterrence for possible Russian meddling in the Western Balkan politics and succession aspirations.
After the brief presentation, event moderator Ms. Selma Ibrekić opened the floor to a question and answer session with the audience that arose many interesting points. What attracted most attention is the question of what is going to happen next in these difficult times for world geopolitical front and what might be the implications of this event for the Western Balkans?
What was concluded in the end of this event is that it is important to clear heads and think rationally in these difficult times and to also condemn all acts of autocratic regimes that are hurting millions of innocent people.
