Religious Actors and Peacebuilding in Ukraine

The current war in Ukraine involves the intersection of numerous geopolitical and ideological forces — many of which are not explicitly religious. Nevertheless, religion and religious actors have an important effect on the evolution of conflict dynamics, Ukrainian society at large, and prospects for future peacebuilding. USIP’s new report, “Mapping the Religious Landscape of Ukraine,” analyzes the nuanced connections between religion and Ukrainian society — which are crucial to understanding the broader war — and offers lessons that can guide effective, feasible peacemaking and peacebuilding interventions.

On January 18, USIP hosted a conversation with the report’s authors and other experts on religion in Ukraine. The discussion examined the report’s key findings and offer important insights on the latest developments at the intersection of religion, politics and security in Ukraine today.

For more information about this event, please visit

Speakers:

Peter Mandaville, moderator

Senior Advisor, Religion and Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace

Denys Brylov

Co-Founder and Director, European Center for Strategic Analytics (Ukraine)

Tetiana Kalenychenko

Co-Founder and Director, European Center for Strategic Analytics (Ukraine)

Andrii Kryshtal

Project Manager, Conciliation Resources

Catherine Wanner

Professor of History, Anthropology and Religious Studies, Pennsylvania State University

Nicholas Danysenko

Emil and Elfriede Jochum Chair in Theology, Valparaiso University

Mary Glantz, closing remarks

Acting Director, Russia Program, U.S. Institute of Peace

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Connect with us!

Newsletters

The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP