The political landscape surrounding Ukraine is increasingly defined by pressure for quick solutions. However, as this seminar highlights, these conditions often grant Russia political gains not through military victory, but through successful disinformation. Hosted by Karen-Anna Eggen (FHS), the first panel features Brigader Eystein Kvarving and Colonel Iryna Izhutova (National Defence University of Ukraine). They analyze the «poisoning» of the information environment and why any peace deal must be «just and lasting» to prevent Russia from simply using a pause to rehearse for the next invasion.

The second panel dives into the military-technical evolution of the conflict. Lieutenant Colonel Palle Ydstebø, Dr. Tom Røseth, and Colonel Vasyl Shvaliuchynskyi explore how the battlefield has become transparent. The introduction of thousands of drones has created a 30-kilometer «grey zone» where traditional maneuvers are nearly impossible. The experts also discuss the «politicization of intelligence» within the Kremlin, which directly led to the failure to warn about the Kursk operation, and the staggering 1:20 loss ratio reported in certain sectors where Russian «meat waves» meet modern Ukrainian defense.

A central theme is the concept of Total Defense. Ukraine’s strength lies not only in its 100+ brigades but in the entire civilian population's ability to innovate and resist. From managing the «zoo of armament» to the urgent need for ballistic air defense, this episode offers a professional and comprehensive status report on Ukraine’s fight for survival and European security.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Intro by Tormod Malvin Sæther.

• 00:40 Dr. Karen-Anna Eggen: In the Shadow of Peace Talks.

• 05:42 Col. Iryna Izhutova: How the Kremlin poisons the narrative.

• 17:26 Brigader Eystein Kvarving: The shift in European responsibility and NATO unity.

• 21:39 Ukraine’s «Give and Take»: Sharing drone expertise with the West.

• 37:28 Lt. Col. Palle Ydstebø: The logic of industrialized war and production power.

• 45:55 Dr. Tom Røseth: Russian intelligence failures and the «politicization of intel.»

• 52:40 Col. Vasyl Shvaliuchynskyi: Transitioning from Soviet structures to Mission Command.

• 54:19 The «Zoo of Armament»: Challenges of integrating diverse Western systems.

• 01:02:16 The 30km «Grey Zone»: How drones have made the battlefield transparent.

• 01:04:43 The 1:20 Loss Ratio: The human cost of Russia’s current offensive.

• 01:12:05 Total Defense: Why the civilian sector is the key to endurance.