On October 20th, JCU welcomed Ihor Brusylo, Ambassador of Ukraine to Italy for a discussion on diplomacy in times of conflict. The event was organized by the Center for Career Services. Ambassador Brusylo had previously served as a diplomat in Italy and held numerous senior roles in the Ukrainian government.
President Antonia Maioni delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the outstanding resilience of Ukraine during an ongoing war that has raged for over four and a half years. “The mention of Ukraine today inevitably evokes ideas of strength, resolve, courage and grit,” said President Maioni. “Ukraine is a living example of how military size and power cannot supersede resilience, patriotism and conviction. Rather than yielding, the country has mobilized its resources to develop some of the world’s most advanced technologies.”
Forging International Partnerships
Ukraine's diplomats are focused on strengthening the country’s defense capabilities by fostering partnerships between Ukrainian and international defense industries. The goal is not only to seek support but also to offer valuable battlefield-tested expertise and technological know-how in return. Ukraine serves as a real-world environment where defense companies can refine and validate their technologies, helping improve global security. Besides defense-related initiatives, Ukrainian Embassies also manage cultural and humanitarian projects.
As support from the US starts to waver, “Europe should strive to become more self-sufficient in the development of defence technologies,” Ambassador Brusylo said. He drew attention to the vulnerability of vital institutions such as schools and hospitals in Ukraine. In times of war, the normal functioning of these institutions is disrupted by frequent air-raid sirens and the constant threat of Russian missile attacks.
Diplomacy in Conflict Times
Ambassador Brusylo spoke about what it takes to be an ambassador during a critical moment in a country's history. While under normal circumstances, a diplomat's job is to build bridges between countries through careful deliberation, wartime diplomacy leaves little room for reflection.
President Maioni and Ambassador Brusylo
Diplomats must adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and carry out their work with even greater determination and proactivity despite the emotional toll and frustration. “Although time pressure works against us by increasing the likelihood of mistakes, it also drives us to create quickly what would otherwise never be developed or would take many years to design,” said Ambassador Brusylo.
The Power and Unity of Ukrainians
Ambassador Brusylo noted how inspirational it is to interact with younger generations whose openness and genuine curiosity lead to engaging discussions and thoughtful questions. He described the ongoing war with Russia as a “battle between light and darkness,” leaving no room for ambiguity. “Unlike Russia, whose economy hasn't been built on development and prosperity, but rather on the subjugation of other countries, Ukraine is a European country with horizontal governance,” Ambassador Brusylo said. Asked by students about Ukraine’s resilience, he replied that “the strength of Ukrainians is in the power and unity of its people. Despite the hardships they have endured, they choose to stay and defend their land for themselves and future generations. Resistance to the aggressor comes from within.”
