The Nuclear Dimensions of the War against Ukraine

On 18 October 2023, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) organised an outreach event to the University of Innsbruck. The activity was organized under the framework of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), an effort of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) to engage the next generation and raise awareness on non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control issues.

Titled “The Nuclear Dimensions of the War against Ukraine”, the event included two panels.

The first panel discussion of the event was dedicated to the current geopolitical situation in Europe and to nuclear risks associated with the war against Ukraine, including potential uses of nuclear weapons, risks related to the safety and security of nuclear facilities, as well as the impact of the war on nuclear arms control and disarmament.

Speakers included (in order of appearance):

• Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President, IAI, who examined the origins of the war, discussing the overall geopolitical environment and challenges that led to the Russian invasion in February 2022;

• Nikolai Sokov, Senior Fellow, VCDNP, who discussed the nuclear dimension of the war, including the potential use of nuclear weapons, risks of escalation, as well as the impact that the war is generating on arms control and Russia-West relations more broadly;

• Elena Sokova, Executive Director, VCDNP, who drew attention to the risks related to nuclear safety and security of nuclear facilities, including the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The second panel of the event was dedicated to the work of the EUNPDC and to opportunities for young women and the next generation in the arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament field.

The panel featured (in order of appearance):

• Manuel Herrera, Senior Researcher, IAI, who provided an overview of the EUNPD Consortium and its work, including specific activities organised by each member of the Consortium;

• Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate, VCDNP, who discussed opportunities in the field available for young students and practitioners, including those offered by the EUNPDC such as internships, e-learning courses, and the YWNGI mentorship programme;

From the left: Manuel Herrera, Martin Senn, Federica Dall’Arche

Both panels were moderated by Martin Senn, Professor at the University of Innsbruck.

More information:

Agenda of the outreach event 

The EUNPDC Consortium and its work

Additional Opportunities for the Next Generation

The YWNGI is possible thanks to the generous support of the European Union and aims to engage the next generation and raise awareness on non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control issues. The VCDNP and IAI thank the University of Innsbruck for hosting the event.