Perpetual Conflict: Russia and the Struggle for European Security

Annual Conference examining upcoming European security challenges and potential solutions in relation to Russia’s continued aggression.

5–6 March, 2026  |  Tartu, Estonia & ONLINE

LIVE STREAM

The Annual Conference on Russia has attracted delegates from the Baltic and Allied military community, international institutions, governments, academia, and the private sector to discuss the most pressing issues shaping Russia, its near abroad, and global challenges since 2015.

Keynote Speakers

Lord Robertson
Lord Robertson of Port Ellen
Former NATO Secretary General (1999-2003)
Distinguished British statesman who served as the 10th Secretary General of NATO and as the UK Secretary of State for Defence…
Marina Kaljurand
Ms. Marina Kaljurand
Member of the European Parliament
Estonian diplomat and politician, former Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the Russian Federation and the United States…
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Lord Robertson of Port Ellen

Former NATO Secretary General (1999-2003)

George Robertson was named Chancellor of Dundee University in 2023. He was Lead Reviewer on the Government’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review, is Senior Counsellor with The Cohen Group of Washington DC, USA, Co-Chair of the Global Strategy Forum, Vice Patron of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, President of the Council of Military Education Committees and a member of the House of Lords Select Committee on International Affairs and Defence.

He was a Member of the House of Commons for twenty-one years and served in the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland before becoming Secretary of State for Defence in 1997. He served as the 10th Secretary General of NATO and Chairman of the North Atlantic Council from 1999 to 2003. He chaired the first meeting of the NATO/Russia Council in 2002.

He has been Executive Deputy Chairman of Cable and Wireless plc, Deputy Chairman of TNK-bp, BP’s Russian Joint Venture and has served as a Non-Executive Director of the Weir Group plc, Smiths Group plc and Monaco Telecom SA. He was Chairman of the FIA Foundation, Chairman of Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd. Chairman of The Ditchley Foundation and Vice-Chairman of the Royal Edinburgh MilitaryTattoo.

He is an Elder Brother of Trinity House and a visiting Professor at Stirling University and Kings College London. He serves on the Boards of the Centre for European Reform, is a Distinguished Fellow of Chatham House and on the International Advisory Board of the Atlantic Council of the US. For seventeen years he was Honorary Colonel of the London Scottish Regiment.

He is one of the sixteen Knights of the Thistle and a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (Chancellor 2011-2021). He was awarded America’s highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003. He also holds Ukraine’s highest honour, The Grand Cross of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Fellow of the Royal College of Defence Studies.

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Ms. Marina Kaljurand

Member of the European Parliament

Marina Kaljurand is a distinguished Estonian diplomat and politician whose career has been defined by her commitment to international law, security, and the European project. Born in Tallinn in 1962, she built a formidable academic foundation, graduating with honors in law from the University of Tartu before further specializing at the Estonian School of Diplomacy and earning an MA in International Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University as a Fulbright scholar. Her professional journey began in the early 1990s at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she was one of the first employees of the newly independent Estonian diplomatic service.

Over several decades, she emerged as one of Estonia’s most influential diplomats, serving as the Ambassador to the Russian Federation, the State of Israel, the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Kazakhstan. Her expertise in high-stakes diplomacy was further evidenced by her roles as the Chief Negotiator for Estonia’s accession to the OECD and her leadership of the legal working group during the negotiations for Estonia’s entry into the European Union. She also played a critical role in complex border negotiations and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Estonian soil.

Transitioning into high-level political leadership, she served as Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2015 to 2016. Her work has increasingly focused on the intersection of technology and security; she chaired the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace and has contributed her expertise to several United Nations groups on digital cooperation and disarmament. In 2019, she was elected to the European Parliament as a member of the Social Democratic Party. During her tenure in Brussels, she has been a prominent voice in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and has led delegations focusing on relations with the South Caucasus. Throughout her career, which has been recognized with high national honors such as the Order of the National Coat of Arms, she has remained a steadfast advocate for the rule of law and digital safety on the global stage.

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Programme

09:00 – 10:00 VSpa Hotel & Conference Centre foyer and corridor

Registration and Welcome Coffee

Gathering and registration for the Annual Conference on Russia 2026

Sergeant-at-Arms, CSM Alvydas Tamošiūnas

Host of the Conference, Mr Louis Wierenga

10:00 – 10:10 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Administrative Remarks

Dr Viljar Veebel, the Programme Director

10:10 – 10:15 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Opening Remarks

Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis, the Commandant of the Baltic Defence College

10:15 – 10:50 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Keynote Speech

Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, Member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament, and former NATO Secretary General (1999-2003)

10:50 – 11:20 VSpa Hotel & Conference Centre foyer and corridor

Coffee Break

10:50 – 11:20 online

Online Session – From Gold to Crypto – The Evolution of Russia’s Sanctions Evasion and Strategic Trade

This session provides a historical overview and a structural analysis from the experts of Baltic Defence College on how Russia evades economic sanctions, requires latest technologies and funds its overseas influence operations, highlighting its adaptability and diversification when acting inside Western monetary system. The discussion covers financing methods for covert activities and explores ways for Allied nations to disrupt these efforts.

Panellists:
Dr Viljar Veebel
Dr Illimar Ploom

11:20 – 13:00 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Panel I – Perpetual Conflict: Russia and the Struggle for European Security

The panel will consider Europe’s future security challenges and debate possible policy responses. It aims to identify the urgent actions needed to safeguard our societies and gauge the political will to implement them.

Panellists:
Lord Robertson of Port Ellen
Prof Brian Whitmore
Prof Sven Biscop
Mr Peter Slezkine

Moderator:
Mr Louis Wierenga

13:00 – 14:00 VSpa Hotel & Conference Centre foyer and corridor

Buffet Lunch

13:00 – 14:00 online

Online Session – Baltic and Nordic Security Challenges in 2026-2027

This session examines upcoming security issues for the Baltic and Nordic states. Despite actions like conscription, increased defence budgets, and civil resilience efforts, threats persist. What challenges may arise in the next two years, and what further measures can these states take to enhance their security?

Panellists:
AMB Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford
Dr Giedrius Česnakas
Mr Ruslanas Iržikevičius
Mr Vytautas Bruveris

14:00 – 15:15 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Panel II – European Defence: Is Fast-forward Fast Enough?

Heavy losses and rapid technological change in the Russian war against Ukraine have led Allies to reassess military investments. Although funding has increased, Europe’s defence industrial capacity remains limited, further constrained by reduced armouries and magazines due to the support provided to Ukraine. This panel will examine what steps Europe must take to re-arm and the tough policy choices this will involve.

Panellists:
Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Wooddisse, KCB, CBE, MC
Mr Ed Arnold
Ambassador (ret) Arkady Mil-Man
Major General Ivan Martin

Moderator:
Dr Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova

15:15 – 15:45 VSpa Hotel & Conference Centre foyer and corridor

Coffee Break

15:15 – 15:45 online

Online session – Russia and China (PRC) – Partners or Rivals in the Baltic Region?

This session examines China (PRC) and Russia’s growing alignment in the Baltic region and its impact on regional stability and Western interests. Recently, both countries have increased intelligence and influence operations in the Baltics. Are they cooperating or competing for control over resources and politics? The session also considers what the Baltic states can expect from them and how best to respond.

Panellists:
Dr Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova
Dr Karlis Bukovskis

15:45 – 17:00 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Panel III – Reinforcing Trans-Atlantic Unity Against Russia´s Aggressive Ambitions

Russia’s aggression continues to drive anxiety among smaller NATO members in the east, highlighting the essential role of US leadership, capabilities, and combat power in ensuring credible deterrence. This panel discusses how North American and European cooperation can be maintained and strengthened.

Panellists:
Senator Douglas V. Mastriano (Dr, Colonel, U.S. Army, ret)
Dr Joris van Bladel
Prof Taras Kuzio
Ms Minna Ålander

Moderator:
COL Jonathan Huxley

17:15 – 18:15 Baltic Defence College

Guided tour to the Baltic Defence College (optional)

More information during the Conference

19:00 – 21:00 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Dinner

Dress code: Jacket and tie

08:30 – 08:55 VSpa Hotel & Conference Centre foyer and corridor

Welcome Coffee

08:55 – 09:00 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Administrative Remarks

Dr Viljar Veebel, the Programme Director

09:00 – 10:15 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Panel IV Student Panel – Operational Lessons from Russian Aggression against Ukraine

Ukrainian Armed Forces’ resistance to Russian invasion has led to important defence innovations. In this panel, Baltic Defence College students, including Ukrainian officer, will highlight key lessons applicable to Baltic states’ defence.

Panellists:
LTC Tomas Baltrūnas
MAJ Yaroslav Vasylyuk
MAJ Alminas Sinevičius
MAJ James H Shoop

Moderator:
LTC Daniel McManus

10:15 – 10:45 VSpa Hotel and Conference Centre's Lobby and Restaurant Joyce

Coffee Break

10:15 – 10:45 online

Online Session – Emerging multipolarity and Russia as a part of it

This online session explores the debate on emerging multipolarity and the evolving structure of the current world order. The session examines how Russia’s vision of multipolarity differs from rule-based multilateralism and why this distinction matters for global stability. The discussion situates the war in Ukraine as a systemic turning point that has accelerated geopolitical fragmentation and sharpened competition among major powers. The session aims to clarify whether the emerging order represents a balanced redistribution of power or a hierarchical and contested system shaped by rivalry and revisionism. It will provide conceptual tools to better understand how power, sovereignty, and institutional legitimacy are being redefined in the contemporary international environment.

Panellists:
AMB Shota Gvineria
Mr Mirian Popkhadze

10:45 – 12:00 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Panel V – Between Moscow and the West: Russian Speakers in the Baltic Geopolitical Arena

The Russian-speaking population in the Baltic states remains influential, with diverse identities and viewpoints on Russia. This panel will discuss their socio-economic status, future prospects, and opinions on EU and NATO policies, featuring speakers from the community, government, and academia.

Panellists:
Dr Kristina Kallas
Dr Ieva Bērziņa
Dr Ieva Birka
Dr Stefano Braghiroli

Moderator:
Dr Viljar Veebel

12:00 – 12:30 VSpa Hotel and Conference Centre's Lobby and Restaurant Joyce

Coffee Break

12:00 – 12:30 online

Online Session – Georgia’s Perspective on Russia’s Influence Operations

The address presents Georgia’s perspective on Russia’s long-standing influence operations, focusing on Georgia’s practical experience in dealing with hybrid threats since the restoration of its independence. It examines how military aggression, cyberattacks, economic coercion, energy leverage, disinformation, and political interference have been systematically employed to constrain Georgia’s sovereignty and obstruct its European and Euro-Atlantic integration. In addition, it highlights the significance of cooperation with Western partners in building national resilience in countries like Georgia. Finally, it assesses the broader regional implications of Russia’s current influence operations against Georgia for the wider Black Sea region and NATO’s Eastern Flank.

Panellist:
Ms Megi Benia

12:30 – 13:45 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Panel VI – Can Regional Coalitions Deter Russia´s Hostile Intentions?

NATO’s north-east members are considering regional coalitions to enhance deterrence against Russia—not as alternatives but as supplements to NATO and EU security. Where should Nordic and Baltic states prioritise their security strategies?

Panellists:
Mr Kaimo Kuusk
LTG (ret) Stuart Skeates
Dr Kai-Olaf Lang
Dr Gustav Gressel

Moderator:
Dr Zdzislaw Sliwa

13:45 – 14:15 Conference Hall Scandinavia

Concluding Political Address "Future Challenges and Solutions for European Security”

Ms Marina Kaljurand, Member of the European Parliament

14:15 – 14:25

Closing Remarks

Dr Tiia-Triin Truusa, Dean of the Baltic Defence College

14:25 – 15:30 VSpa Hotel and Conference Centre's Lobby and Restaurant Joyce

Buffet Lunch

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