Borja Lasheras, a Spanish author and European security expert and Associate Policy Fellow at EPIK, reflects from Kharkiv on Ukraine’s role in continental defense. He explores Europe’s hybrid war with Russia. He considers whether the EU can evolve into a security actor, proposes minilateral coalitions, and discusses tech and defense industrial integration with Ukraine.
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Kharkiv As A Beating Heart Not Mere Victim
Borja Lasheras describes Kharkiv as a resilient city and a 'beating heart' rather than just a victim.
He recounts visiting Kharkiv after heavy strikes to show solidarity and witness civic life continuing despite bombardment.
insights INSIGHT
Europe Is In A Hybrid War With Russia
Europe faces a hybrid war with Russia that mixes sabotage, disinformation and kinetic attacks rather than a full conventional war.
Borja Lasheras argues Europe must pursue strategic autonomy and include Ukraine in a new security concept as a growing middle power.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Include Ukraine In Europe’s Security Architecture
Integrate Ukraine into European security structures to block Russian influence and benefit from Ukraine's defense industry.
Lasheras recommends enlargement and industrial cooperation so Ukraine becomes part of a north-east-south shield for Europe.
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Can Europe become a genuine security union? Is it truly aware of the 21st-century geopolitical dangers that threaten its very existence? How central is Ukraine to Europe’s self-defense, and does the continent understand—and adapt to—the changing nature of modern warfare?
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This is the “Explaining Ukraine” podcast.
Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld, and president of PEN Ukraine.
Guest: Borja Lasheras, a Spanish book author and expert on Ukrainian and European security. Borja is an Associate Policy Fellow at the European Policy Institute in Kyiv (EPIK).
Explaining Ukraine is produced by UkraineWorld and brought to you by Internews Ukraine.
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Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine
UkraineWorld: https://ukraineworld.org/en
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SUPPORT:
You can support our work on https://www.patreon.com/c/ukraineworld
Your help is crucial, as we rely heavily on crowdfunding.
You can also contribute to our volunteer missions to frontline areas in Ukraine, where we deliver aid to both soldiers and civilians.
Donations are welcome via PayPal at: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.
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CONTENTS:
00:27 - Borja Lasheras: a Spanish author and expert on Ukrainian and European security. The conversation is taking place in Kharkiv, 40 km from the Russian border, after overnight Russian shelling.
01:47 - Why it is important for experts to travel to Ukraine, as it "defies many expectations" and is a "beating heart," not just a victim of aggression.
06:03 - Lasheras discusses writing his book "Station Ukraine," which reflects his personal and professional evolution alongside Ukraine.
09:52 - Why Europe is in a hybrid war with Russia and can no longer rely on the US as before.
13:24 - Why it is necessary to define a new European security concept that includes Ukraine, as Ukraine is a "growing middle power" with an advanced defense industry.
15:40 - Can the European Union can become a military union? Why EU can be a key element but not necessarily replace NATO.
19:01 - Why Changing EU rules, such as moving to qualified majority voting, is challenging.
23:06 - A scenario of a "Europe of different speeds" or minilateral coalitions: is it possible?
26:25 - "Ukraine Facility": the European support has been significant and stable, unlike that from the US.
30:44 - Why technological cooperation is important, including instances of joint ventures and new programs aimed at integrating Ukraine's defense industrial base.
35:20 - Why it is important for Europe to use the technological impulse of the war to catch up with leaders in AI, electronics, and drones.
37:31 - Why awareness of Russia’s possible attack is growing across Europe.
40:03 - Why supporting Ukraine is a fundamental interest for European security
Explaining Ukraine 