Visit to the FCDO: Strategic Dialogue on Recovery, Partnership, and Security

On 1 May 2025, as part of the “Education for Victory” No. 4 offline module, participants visited the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London. This meeting was a key component of the London programme and served as a platform for in-depth strategic discussions with representatives of the UK government, international institutions, and leading think tanks.

The event featured panel discussions, presentations, and open dialogue — allowing the Ukrainian delegation to present their vision for reform, recovery, and security cooperation, while also fostering new high-level professional connections.

Key Sessions and Participants:

Reconstruction and Recovery

The panel was opened by Ben Greenwood (FCDO), with discussions focusing on approaches to Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Contributions came from Jamie Hilton (FCDO), Dmytro Livch (Chairman, EasyBusiness Think Tank), and Dmytro Ivanov (Head of NGO Dobrobat, Member of the Chernihiv Regional Council).

Perspectives on local recovery efforts were shared by Nadiia Bihun (Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, 2022–2025) and Sergii Orlov (Deputy Mayor of Mariupol).

Building Local Partnerships

This session, focused on the role of municipalities in transformative processes, was presented by Matthew Brannen from the UK’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Reform Priorities

Moderated by Tia Raappana (FCDO), this panel featured Maria Zakharenko, Director of the Reform and Recovery Team at Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy. She highlighted key government policy priorities, civil service reform, and effective governance.

Defence and Future Security

This session explored strategic security challenges and opportunities for partnership in defence and the agrarian sector. Speakers from the UK included representatives from the FCDO Campaigns Unit, Sean Redmond (DBT), and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Ukrainian voices included Anatolii Rybachok — international lawyer, Armed Forces officer, and economist — and Olena Sotnyk, co-founder of Grand Strategy UA, political and civic leader.

UK–Ukraine 100-Year Partnership

The visit concluded with a presentation by Rupert Secbohm (FCDO), who introduced the vision of a long-term bilateral relationship framed as the “UK–Ukraine 100-Year Partnership”.

The visit to the FCDO was not only a continuation of the educational module but also a vital platform for meaningful dialogue between Ukrainian leaders and UK government stakeholders. Participants had the opportunity to share their initiatives in reform, recovery, security, and local governance, receive expert feedback, and lay the foundation for ongoing cooperation.

This meeting deepened mutual understanding of strategic priorities, strengthened interinstitutional trust, and opened new horizons for UK–Ukraine partnerships — across policy, communities, and people.

“Education for Victory” is a 4-week strategic programme for Ukraine’s public, security, and civil society sectors, combining high-level learning with real dialogue on the global stage.