Day 1 (October 8th)
8:00 – 9:00
Registration
9:00 – 9:05
Introduction of day 1
9:05 – 9:35
Welcome speeches
Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Minister of Defence of Lithuania
Gen. Raimundas Vaikšnoras, Chief of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania
9:35-10:20
Panel 1: Discussion “Resilient Europe: Shaping Defense Amidst New Threats”
In the face of escalating security challenges, Europe stands at a critical juncture. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the vulnerability of the continent to aggressive actions and the necessity for a robust and unified defense strategy. In the light of the war, European nations must draw lessons from Ukraine to enhance their defense capabilities and prepare for future threats posed by Russia’s imperialistic ambitions, as well as evaluate NATO’s role in reinforcing European defense mechanisms and facilitating cooperation among member states.
How can European and NATO political and military leaders ensure sustained commitment to defense investments and readiness? What are the potential long-term impacts of the war in Ukraine on European defense policies and how can European nations prepare for these impacts proactively?
Rajmund Andrzejczak, Former Chief of the General Staff, Polish Armed Forces
Gen. Raimundas Vaikšnoras, Chief of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania
Kęstutis Budrys, Chief National Security Adviser to the President of Lithuania
Moderator: Dovilė Jakniūnaitė, Professor at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University
10:20-10:30
Q&A
10:30-10:45
Presentation: “A Political Theory of Victory for Ukraine and for European Security”
Edward Hunter Christie, Senior Research Fellow, Finnish Institute of International Affairs
10:45-10:50
Q&A
10:50-11:05
Presentation: “Russia’s Military Strategy and Its Constraints”
James Sherr, Honorary Fellow, International Centre for Defence and Security
11.05-11:10
Q&A
11:10-11:35
BREAK
11:35 – 11:50
Presentation: “The New Russian Military: Russia’s Path to Confronting NATO”
Sidharth Kaushal, Senior Research Fellow, RUSI
11:50-11:55
Q&A
11:55-12:10
Presentation: “Lessons for NATO’s Eastern Flank: Can We Stand?”
Romanas Judinas, Defence Analyst, Locked N’ Loaded
12:10-12:15
Q&A
12:15-13:00
Panel 2: “Shaping the Battlefield: Adaptive Decisions and Structures”
During low intensity conflicts on terror Western armed forces had the luxury to rely on professional personnel, slow adaptation and relatively low usage of state’s strategic reserves. Looking at the possibility of conventional global power conflict, this experience can be less important or even counterproductive.
Russian aggression against Ukraine shows that mitigating high ratios of casualties, securing lines of communication and mobilization of military industry are the ways to military victory. In this regard, what are lessons identified for NATO in the field of adapting our decision making and structures for such a challenge (military industry, reserve, security of lines of communications, etc.)?
Maj. Gen. Remigijus Baltrėnas, Chief of the Defence Staff of Lithuanian Armed Forces
Jānis Kažociņš, Distinguished Fellow, Center for Geopolitical Studies Riga
Yurii Butusov, Editor-in-Chief, Cenzor.net
Moderator: Romanas Judinas, Defence Analyst, Locked N’ Loaded
13:00-13:10
Q&A
13:10-14:30
LUNCH BREAK
14:30-14:40
Presentation: “Geopolitical Shifts from the War in Ukraine: Taiwanese Perspective”
Po Horng-Huei, Vice Minister of the National Defense of Taiwan
14:40-14:55
Presentation: “The Challenges of Learning from Ukraine’s Drone Warfare Experience”
Fabian Hinz, Research Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis, International Institute for Strategic Studies
14:55-15:00
15:00-15:15
Presentation: “Russia’s Hybrid Warfare Operations in the Occupied Territories of Ukraine”
Lucjan Kubica, Deputy Director of Research and Analysis, European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats
15:15-15:20
Q&A
15:20-15:35
Presentation: “The New Face of OSINT in the Wake of the Russia-Ukraine War”
Roman Osadchuk, Resident Fellow, Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab
15:35-15:40
Q&A
15:40-16:25
Panel 3: “Civilian Support for Defense: Lessons from the War in Ukraine”
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has underscored the crucial role of civilian support in national defense. As warfare evolves, integrating civilian efforts into defense strategies will be crucial for resilience and strategic success. By examining the various ways civilians have contributed to Ukraine’s defense efforts, the organizational and legal frameworks that facilitated their involvement, and how civilian elements, both national and international, have supported Ukraine’s defense efforts, we can gain valuable insights into enhancing national security in times of crisis.
What role did non-governmental organizations play in supporting both the civilian population and military operations in Ukraine? What can be learned from this for future conflicts, and what steps should other countries take to ensure effective civilian support in the event of a similar conflict?
Christian Borys, Founder, Saint Javelin
Doug Klain, Policy Analyst, Advocacy, Razom for Ukraine
Jonas Ohman, Founder, Blue/Yellow
Moderator: Aleksandra Ketlerienė, Deputy Editor In Chief at LRT.lt
16:25-16:35
Q&A
16:35-16:40
Conclusions of day 1
Day 2 (October 9th)
8:00-9:00
Registration
9:00-9:05
Introduction of day 2
9:05-9:20
Presentation: “Lessons Learned From the Russia-Ukraine War: What Works and What Doesn’t for Ukrainians?”
Yurii Butusov, Editor-in-Chief, Cenzor.net
9:20 – 9:25
Q&A
9:25-10:10
Panel 4: “Shaping the Battlefield: Adaptation of Operations and Tools of War”
During low intensity conflicts on terror, Western armed forces had the luxury to rely on high tech weaponry and domination on the battlefield. Looking at the possibility of conventional global power conflict, this experience can be less important or even counterproductive.
Russian aggression against Ukraine shows that quantity of medium and high tech weaponry, shells and equipment, high ratios of operations, capabilities to quickly generate huge amounts of forces in operational areas are the ways to victory on the battlefield.
What are the lessons identified for NATO in the field of adapting our operations and tools of war? What improvements should be made on NATO and national level (especially small states like Lithuania)?
Neeme Väli, Former Chief of General Staff, Estonian Defense Forces
Maj. Gen. Matthew J. Van Wagenen, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations (J2/J3/J36), NATO SHAPE
Patrick Bury, Senior Associate Professor in Security, Politics, Languages and International Studies Department, University of Bath
Moderator: Dr. Gintautas Razma, Defence Staff of Lithuanian Armed Forces
10:10 – 10:20
Q&A
10:20 – 10:35
Presentation: ”Unwilling to Win – How the West is Allowing Russia to Beat Ukraine”
Julian Röpcke, Senior Editor of Security Policy and Conflicts, BILD.de
10:35 – 10:40
Q&A
10:40-11:10
BREAK
11:10-11:20
Presentation: “Lithuanian Defence Cluster”
Algirdas Stonys, CEO, LTMiltech
11:20-11:35
Presentation: “Adapting Sweden’s Civil Defence in Response to the War in Ukraine”
Ola Svenonius, Deputy Research Director, Swedish Defence Research Agency
11:35-11:40
Q&A
11:40-11:55
Presentation: “Insights on Providing Military Aid to Ukraine: Lessons from Sweden”
Steffen Werther, Analyst, Swedish Defence Research Agency
11:55-12:00
Q&A
12:00-12:45
Panel 5: “Aligning Defense Strategies: Sweden, Finland, and NATO’s Collective Security”
The shift from neutrality to NATO membership for Sweden and Finland presents new opportunities and challenges. This transition requires significant adjustments in their national defense policies and military structures. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the importance of a cohesive defense strategy involving both military and civilian sectors.
It is important to take into account how Sweden and Finland are aligning their total defense strategies with NATO’s collective security framework and the lessons learned from Ukraine’s defense efforts. Additionally, NATO must adapt to integrate these new members, addressing strategic, political, and security implications for the Baltic region and the broader European security landscape.
What are the key operational challenges NATO anticipates during the integration process of Sweden and Finland? In addition, what overarching lessons from Ukraine’s defense efforts against a larger adversary can be applied to strengthen the total defense frameworks of other countries?
Olof Ehrenkrona, Former Ambassador, Board Member, Institute for Security and Development Policy
Tomas Jermalavičius, Head of Studies, International Centre for Defence and Security
Eoin McNamara, Research Fellow, Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Moderator: Dr. Neringa Bladaitė, Lecturer at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University
12:45-12:55
Q&A
12:55-13:25
LUNCH BREAK
13:25-13:40
Presentation: “Ukraine’s Drone Warfare: Successes and Challenges”
Yurri Clavilier, Research Analyst for Defence and Military Analysis, International Institute for Strategic Studies
13:40-13:45
Q&A
13:45-14:30
Panel 6: “Evolution of European Defense Industries in Response to the War in Ukraine”
The war in Ukraine has brought new urgency to the defense sector, particularly in Europe, where increased demand for military equipment and technology is reshaping the landscape. This surge in demand is prompting governments and industries alike to adapt to a rapidly changing security environment. Nations across the continent are facing the challenge of scaling up production, modernizing their defense infrastructure, and fostering cross-border collaboration to meet the growing security needs in the face of evolving threats.
How is the European defense industry adapting to meet these new challenges, balancing the need for rapid innovation, increased production, and cross-border collaboration? What are the main challenges facing European defense companies in scaling up production and innovation? How can European countries better collaborate to strengthen defense capabilities and address shared security threats?
Harri Heinonen, Key Account Director, Estonia and Lithuania, Patria Global Division
Kyrre Lohne, Vice President, Government Relations and Business Development, Kongsberg
Peter Nygren, Director, Business Development, BAE Systems Hägglunds
Moderator: Rita Sakus, Founding and Board Member, Lithuanian Business Angel Network
14:30-14:40
Q&A
14:40-14:45
Conclusions of the conference