Over the past three years, Ukraine has moved from a country at war to a stable player in Eastern‑European geopolitics. The devastation wrought by the conflict has not only left scars; it has also accelerated military modernisation, structural reforms, and the strengthening of international relations. The result is a nation that, despite enormous challenges, is emerging as a new regional power.

Northern European states are crucial both in the confrontation with Russia and China and in the new balances in Europe and NATO. Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland without forgetting the key role of Ireland as the second line. Not to forget Greenland and Svalbard Islands.

The Russian-Ukrainian war: the issues of negotiation. In August, attempts were made to open talks to negotiate an end to the war. The issues are diverse, but all difficult and fraught with obstacles. Russia effectively wants Ukraine gone while the invaded nation itself and Europe must block the Russian advance. The U.S. has more complex needs than the European theater.