Courses
ATU hosts a five-nation diplomatic panel on the war in Ukraine and Europe’s security
Atlantic Technological University hosted a panel discussion on Thursday, 9 October 2025, on its Sligo campus, titled 'Conversations on Campus,' featuring a delegation of high-level ambassadors and diplomats from Central and Eastern Europe.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) hosted a panel discussion on Thursday, 9 October 2025, on its Sligo campus, titled ‘Conversations on Campus,’ featuring a delegation of high-level ambassadors and diplomats from Central and Eastern Europe.
The event brought critical geopolitical realities to the forefront of the campus, engaging staff and students in a discussion focused on the three-year war in Ukraine and the future security of the European continent.
The panel was composed of representatives from five nations, including Ms Gerasko, the Ambassador of Ukraine, Mr Jonas Grinevičius, the Ambassador of Lithuania, Mrs Kairi Künka, the Ambassador of Estonia, Mr Juris Štālmeistars, the Ambassador of Latvia, and Mr Artur Michalski, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of Poland.
The event highlighted the strong ties between the regions, noting that over 12,000 students across ATU hail from these countries.
Addressing the critical query “Is another conflict in Europe on a horizon?”, the diplomats warned that the three-year war in Ukraine represents a daily threat to the entire European continent.
Ms Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador of Ukraine, delivered a powerful appeal for global vigilance and assistance, framing the war as a fight for democratic survival.
“We are fighting for survival; our people are facing lost lives and destruction every single day. We are doing everything possible to stop the war; no one wants this and needs this. We are ready for peace talks, but Putin has no intentions to stop; he wants full occupation, not only of Ukraine, but everywhere in Europe”, she said, adding that “we are protecting Europe with our lives, we are paying the highest price. We need help, otherwise the rest of the EU will face the same.”
The theme of togetherness and active defence was reinforced by the Polish Ambassador, who spoke warmly of Irish-Atlantic connections and the power of collective action.
Mr Michalski shared that the word ‘Atlantic’ “triggers his imagination,” evoking lovely memories from his last visit to Sligo. He added: “We are here to share our understanding and experience of what is going on and to talk about the solidarity- a powerful tool.” He warned that the conflict in Ukraine “affects the entire European continent. “It is breaking and destroying, which is unacceptable as one cannot change order by force.”
He concluded that Russia’s actions stems from a “colonial mentality, the mentality of the past,” and that Ukraine is “entitled to choose their fate and their future.”
Reinforcing the need for vigilance against the aggressor, Mr Staimeistars, Ambassador of Latvia, warned the audience against complacency.
“We must not be naive, thinking that our democratic system is safe. Putin is testing us all, and hybrid warfare can be done from everywhere,” he cautioned.
The panel concluded by reaffirming their commitment to peace rooted in strength and the eventual triumph of democratic principles, a sentiment crystallised by Mrs Künka, Ambassador of Estonia.
