Strategy of the International Renaissance Foundation

Introduction

Ukraine is defending its right to be a free and democratic state in the war unleashed against it by Russia. The war has already made a fundamental impact on the society, public institutions, and the state of democracy. We do not know when and how the war will end and what its final toll on the state, the society, the regional security and the world as we know it will be.

The full-scale invasion has halted political processes and weakened the capacity for democracy and ordinary forms of civic participation. Yet, Ukrainian society stands largely united on key issues, like freedom, peace, security, justice, and accession to the EU.

The war has created both threats and opportunities. Domestically, it is a humanitarian crisis, a loss of social ties in a traumatized and militarized society. There is a risk of democratic institutions being rolled back. Internationally, the weakness of democratic countries in countering authoritarianism, populism, and the crisis of liberal democracy only reinforces global instability.

Despite the resilience of Ukrainians and their unity in the struggle for the country’s future, more than three years of full-scale war have taken a massive toll. A war-weary society is vulnerable to promises of fast and easy solutions to complex problems. Government policy remains focused primarily on security and defense issues.

At the same time, social tensions are rising. People have experienced the war differently, resulting in increasing alienation. Ukraine faces economic losses, a humanitarian crisis, income decline, restrictions on freedoms, psychological trauma, new societal dividing lines, mass migration, and rising social inequality.

The main challenge is the long-term impact of the war, accompanied by depopulation, depletion of human capital, erosion of democratic institutions, and deep societal transformations. If safeguards are not introduced now, Ukraine may soon face profound disillusionment, a crisis of trust, unresolved trauma, skepticism about its statehood, democratic order, the role of the West, and difficulties on the EU integration path, all of which can weaken national unity.

Still, there are two key opportunities. First, the accelerated enlargement of the EU — not only for Ukraine but also for Moldova and the Western Balkans. The integration framework gives the region a chance to strengthen democracy and preserve open societies. Second, the resilience of Ukrainians and their unwavering aspiration for an open, inclusive state founded on freedom, dignity, civic participation, and social cohesion. However, these opportunities are not guaranteed and require sustained efforts by civil society.

Russia’s war has prompted the EU to revise its policy toward the “grey zones” of Europe. The realization of strategic and political threats has brought Ukraine’s accession to EU back to the center of attention. Ukraine has established itself as an independent Eastern European state, strengthening the EU’s geopolitical role and forming regional alliances, particularly with Northern and Baltic countries.

On the global stage, Ukraine is demonstrating that freedom, democracy, human rights, and other open society values are worth fighting for.

We believe that civil society plays one of the key roles in preserving democracy and the spirit of freedom in Ukraine. It fights to ensure that civic participation does not become a mere formality.

Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression, Ukrainian civil society organizations have formed a powerful horizontal cooperation network. They have led advocacy campaigns for international support, justice mechanisms, deterring the aggressor, and future security guarantees.

New influential groups are emerging — volunteers, veterans, internally displaced persons, victims of war crimes, families affected by the war. They are organizing themselves to seek recognition, justice, and participation in decision-making. They have energy and the trust of society.

Our goal is to empower them with tools and help society as a whole embrace open society values more deeply. These values will enable active citizens to unite, act, and achieve shared goals more effectively.

The Foundation will work on policy areas related to European integration, civic resilience, local self-governance, restoration of social ties, justice for victims, and accountability for war crimes.

We believe Ukraine can become a strong democratic state where civil society has even more opportunities. Key reforms required for EU accession will continue to be implemented, and the war will not break the democratic choice of Ukrainians. Ukraine will maintain its subjectivity in global politics.

At the national level, organized citizens with democratic values must become stronger, better self-organized, gain more resources, and be able to effectively confront injustice, reinforcing the country’s democratic resilience.

At the international level, Ukraine’s experience will help find effective responses to global crises. This will contribute to better coordination of the democratic world on peace, justice, security, equality, economic challenges, and climate change.

We believe that people are the main strength of Ukraine and its democracy, so our strategy is focused on them. We will work to ensure that both society and the state remain resilient, and trust between them is built on accountability and inclusiveness.

The world has no ready-made solutions for challenges as vast as those caused by Russian military aggression. But in Ukraine, there is a clear understanding: the defense of freedoms and democracy is the key to resilience during war and to achieving just peace after it. The Foundation will focus on supporting this consensus. We also believe that Ukraine’s experience in preserving democracy and overcoming trauma can be useful to the world, not only for ending the war but also for building a better future after it.

Strategic priorities of the Foundation

Our overarching goal is to safeguard a resilient democracy in Ukraine during the war and in the post-war years. We aim to strengthen public demand for participatory governance, social cohesion, and mobilize civil society around democratic values and freedoms.

This goal will be achieved through work across three strategic pillars:

1. Participatory democratic governance during the war and in the post-war time;
2. Justice, accountability and sustainable human-centric recovery;
3. Supporting Ukraine’s EU accession and addressing global challenges for a vision of a peaceful and democratic world.

Pillar 1. Participatory democratic governance during the war and in the post-war time

Goal 1.1. Ukraine’s democratic development is irreversible 

To ensure Ukraine’s confident democratic trajectory, IRF and partners will support effective mechanisms for citizens’ participation, strengthening democratic institutions, and their role in designing and implementing policies and reforms.

It is important to ensure an enabling environment for civil society, the future electoral process, and political competition. Ukraine must achieve progress in the EU accession negotiations, especially in the area of fundamental reforms. At the local level, it is necessary to ensure that communities have access to decision-making, public services, local democracy, and reforms.

To this end, IRF will cooperate with think tanks and civil society organisations to develop, test, and promote relevant policies. Transparency, accountability, and civic engagement must become widely accepted norms.

Milestones:

• The decision-making process becomes more inclusive, and policies reflect citizens’ interests. Consultations, dialogues, and debates on key public issues are held regularly, regardless of political power changes; 
• Civil society organisations (CSOs) and communities receive resources and opportunities to influence policies;
• Decentralisation, fiscal autonomy of communities is restored, practices of accountability and good governance are developed at the local level;
• Civil society helps ensure competitive politics and transparent elections after martial law is lifted;
• Ukrainians have a voice on the issue of war and peace, civil society is involved in peace initiatives, and public expectations are not ignored.

Goal 1.2. People most severely affected by the war have equal opportunities to participate in democratic change

The war has created new societal groups with a high level of public trust and a strong desire to participate in processes that affect their lives. It is essential that they become part of democratic change rather than remain excluded.

We are working to create an open environment in which these groups can exercise their civic engagement. Particular attention is given to supporting new leaders, including veterans, volunteers, internally displaced persons, women, and returning refugees. We help them gain a voice, access platforms to express their positions, and acquire tools for participation that do not depend on the discretion of individual officials.

Our aim is not only to enable them to stand up for their rights but also to support the transition from isolated initiatives to collaboration on a shared democratic agenda. The active participation of these groups in civic life is crucial to achieving a just peace, democratic development, and Ukraine’s European future.

Milestones:

• People most severely affected by the war receive resources, knowledge, and conditions to engage equally in civic life and decision-making;
• Civil society has a voice in shaping reform priorities, particularly in areas such as veteran reintegration, IDP support, deinstitutionalization ​​(refusal from residential institutions), access to public services, and war victim compensation;
• Local communities develop and implement comprehensive support programs for veterans and IDPs based on regional needs and specificities;
• CSOs have the capacity and motivation to engage in peer-to-peer practices, influence policy, and communicate effectively with citizens;
• Community-level conflict management initiatives are implemented to unite people and promote dialogue as a tool for safety and cohesion;
• CSOs and communities advocate for support mechanisms for people with disabilities and their families;
• CSOs identify and support new local leaders among IDPs, help build effective teams, and engage them in decision-making processes;
• Сouncils of IDPs provide expert support, improve living conditions for displaced persons, and strengthen host communities.

Pillar 2: Justice, accountability and sustainable human-centric recovery

Goal 2.1. Effective mechanisms for justice and accountability for international crimes

The war is a source of profound injustice. Ukrainians cannot stop this injustice, and no single effective legal remedy exists under current conditions. It is therefore crucial to provide Ukrainians with a sense of perspective and the ability to influence justice processes. Early engagement in these processes helps prevent disillusionment and radicalization among victims.

We will work on this in a challenging environment where international support for the investigation of war crimes depends on U.S. policy and where there is a real risk of justice being sacrificed for the sake of a peace settlement. To prevent this, IRF and the Open Society Foundations will scale up advocacy efforts to defend justice in the context of war crimes.

We set out three key objectives:

1. To achieve real justice for perpetrators of international crimes. This must involve more than symbolic judgments; effective legal remedies must be in place, including compensation for war victims. All people who suffered damage caused by the war must have a fair and clear right to reparation;
2. To engage all legitimate stakeholders in developing solutions that balance public expectations for justice. This includes memorialization policies, access to justice, crime documentation, and the creation of mechanisms to ensure that victims are not forgotten;
3. To design and enact international and national mechanisms for justice and compensation. Significant progress has already been made in uniting civil society and international partners around this goal. We will maintain ties with regions that have experienced conflict to exchange experiences and jointly develop effective solutions. Particularly valuable are partnerships with civil societies in the Western Balkans, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Milestones:

• National investigations of war crimes, based on joint documentation efforts, lead to the identification of key perpetrators;
• Сomprehensive support system for victims of war-related crimes is established in Ukraine, with victims’ associations involvement;
• International compensation mechanism operates transparently, with clear procedures and sufficient funds;
• International ad hoc mechanism of accountability for the crime of aggression is functioning;
• Investigations by ICC of crimes against children, torture, and attacks on civilian infrastructure (including energy and healthcare systems) are ongoing, NGOs are sharing information to identify high-level alleged perpetrators;
• National memory policy is developed that includes the voices of all affected groups and communities;
• Inclusive dialogue on reparative justice mechanisms is taking place among civil society actors from different countries;
• Effective mechanism for release and return of prisoners of war, detained civilians, deported children is established with international intermediaries;  
• Consolidated vision of amendments to the Human Rights Chapter of the Constitution is prepared by leading legal experts from different countries.

Goal 2.2. Effective tools for economic resilience, recovery, and social cohesion

A resilient democracy is impossible without decent living conditions. Ukraine must create these conditions both during and after the war so that people can not only survive but also realize their potential. This means supporting citizens and civil society organisations that work to sustain resilience, democratic values, and good governance. They must participate in decision-making and play an active role in rebuilding their communities.

The recovery process must be inclusive and people-centered. This requires the creation of horizontal communities capable of self-development, building trust, bridging social divides, and actively engaging in reconstruction. Transparent and fair recovery is essential not only for Ukraine but also for its EU integration.

The Foundation will support CSOs and think tanks that advocate for people’s needs and propose solutions to shift from survival to recovery. We will work on scaling successful initiatives, engaging citizens in monitoring the recovery process, and advocating for necessary reforms. Culture, co-creation, and self-expression will also play an important role in this process, as they help to make sense of the war experience and inspire future cooperation.

We also focus on demographic challenges and depopulation. Investment in human development, social capital, and cohesion will help Ukraine overcome these problems. It is also important to develop a migration policy suited to wartime and recovery realities, informed by EU experience and aimed at bringing Ukrainians home.

As Ukraine will eventually regain its temporarily occupied territories, we will support political dialogue on their reintegration. We will also strengthen ties with more than 6 million Ukrainians abroad, particularly with the “new diaspora.” Their experience of temporary protection in the EU may help shape future solutions for other victims of international conflict.

Milestones:

• Civil society organizations and think tanks at all levels develop solutions for economic resilience and recovery, share knowledge, and expand their networks of cooperation;
• Joint initiatives between CSOs, government, business, and international partners help strengthen the economic resilience of communities;
• Citizens take part in independent monitoring of the recovery process, which enhances transparency and accountability of local authorities;
• Principles of green, inclusive, and smart development are integrated into recovery strategies, and citizens are informed about opportunities for participation;
• A non-discriminatory migration policy is developed that addresses the human capital crisis, supports economic resilience, and helps counter depopulation;
• Vision for the future of de-occupied territories is defined, and the necessary legislative framework for their recovery is being prepared and promoted;
• CSOs and local communities have the resources and networks needed to enhance human capital, foster social inclusion, and bridge societal divides;
• Scaled-up initiatives promote inclusive dialogue, collaborative recovery planning, trust-building, and social cohesion;
• IRF supports human development through cultural projects that contribute to shaping a democratic civic identity.

Goal 2.3. Reintegration of war veterans and empowering their participation

Ukraine already has over 1.3 million war veterans, and this number continues to grow. Including the families of those killed or missing in action, this group potentially represents at least 5 million people — nearly one-sixth of the population. Veterans’ policy must be comprehensive, fair, and responsive to the needs of all those affected.

Since 2014, IRF has been the first and most consistent civil society donor supporting the veterans’ community. We do not treat veterans as a stand-alone group but focus on their active inclusion in democratic processes. An inclusive approach to veterans’ reintegration is essential not only for the veterans themselves but for Ukrainian society as a whole.

Our approach is based on three key principles:

1. Counteracting marginalization and radicalization — ensuring access to quality support services and transparent decision-making concerning veterans;
2. Rebuilding veterans’ social capital — enabling their engagement in the recovery of Ukraine and its European integration efforts;
3. Human-centered reintegration policy — adapting policies and practices at both the local and national levels in line with veterans’ real needs.

IRF will address complex issues often overlooked by other donors. These include advocacy for a new legal framework to replace outdated laws from the 1990s; protection of the rights of veterans in conflict with the law, including cases involving conscription of people currently serving prison sentences; and promoting human security in communities. A key focus will be supporting drug policy reform that prioritizes decriminalization and social support over punitive responses.

To build broader public support and understanding of veterans’ reintegration, IRF will strengthen its communications and partnerships. We will emphasize justice, accountability, and transparency as core principles of veterans’ policy.

Milestones:

• New legislation on veterans is approved and implemented, ensuring their rights and expanding opportunities for personal and professional development;
• Local communities receive the necessary resources and expertise to support effective reintegration of veterans;
• The veterans’ community actively collaborates with civil society, building partnerships with CSOs, activists, and vulnerable groups;
• Public dialogue takes place on the complex issues affecting marginalized veterans;
• Infrastructure and reforms related to veterans are integrated into Ukraine’s recovery and European integration strategies.

Pillar 3 – Support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU and addressing global challenges for the creation of a peaceful and democratic world

Goal 3.1. Steady progress in EU accession negotiations as a key instrument for reforms

Ukraine has identified European integration as the main political priority. However, real progress in reforms requires stronger political commitment and coordinated actions from both the government and civil society. According to the government’s plan, all necessary benchmarks must be implemented by 2027, which is a challenging task.

IRF will support independent think tanks in providing policy analysis and advice to the government. We will also work on raising public awareness about the reforms related to EU accession and strengthening dialogue between Ukrainian and European experts.

Ukrainian civil society plays a key role in the negotiation process and will be able to influence it through:

• Independent analysis and monitoring of compliance of national legislation and policies with EU requirements, advocacy for reforms, and support for government plans;
• Facilitation of public and closed-door dialogues among stakeholders to align positions and form national consensus on EU integration;
• Preparing local communities for changes related to EU accession, participation in EU programmes, peer learning, and implementation of European practices;
• Analysis of the impact of Ukraine’s EU accession, definition of strategic positions in the negotiations, and dialogue with European partners.

IRF will focus on ensuring that European integration remains a whole-of-society priority. We will support public demand for European integration and contribute to establishing Ukraine as an active participant in the global democratic community.

Thematically, we will focus on two areas.

The first — expert and policy support for EU accession negotiations. This includes policy analysis, positioning, and institutional review, development of recommendations, independent monitoring and assessments (shadow reports). We will also facilitate stakeholder dialogue and cross-sector cooperation to align interests, support reforms, and exchange experience. A key element will be learning from other candidate countries, international communication, advocacy, and dialogues with experts and partners in EU member states.

The second — advancing EU integration at the local level. We will support the development of Ukraine’s regional policy, local development strategies, and citizen participation through democratic mechanisms. We will support cooperation between Ukrainian communities and EU twin cities, as well as help local authorities work with international donors and EU programmes. A separate focus will be on raising awareness about the EU integration process and key standards: integrity, accountability, accessibility, social inclusion of vulnerable groups, human rights protection, anti-discrimination, safety, environmental protection, and climate responsibility.

Transparent and accessible information about EU-related reforms will help strengthen public support for European integration. We will pay special attention to explaining European values through information campaigns, public dialogues, and cooperation with local media. Our goal is to show how these values affect people’s everyday lives and contribute to building a just, inclusive society.

We will work with civil society partners in the EU, Western Balkans, Moldova, and Georgia to jointly support the enlargement of Europe. Together with the Open Society Foundations, we will work on EU accession advocacy and the protection of democratic achievements in our countries.

Through regional cooperation, we will help accelerate EU enlargement, contribute to its reform, and strengthen European security.

Milestones:

• Think tanks and civil society organisations actively participate in governmental inter-agency working groups under all negotiation chapters;
• Benchmarks for the Fundamentals cluster, in particular Chapters 23 and 24, are developed and agreed upon with civil society participation. The government ensures its proper implementation under civil society oversight;
• Following the EU screening process to be conducted by the European Commission in 2025, a new National Programme on Legal Approximation to the EU acquis is adopted (in 2025 or early 2026). Its implementation will continue until the end of 2027 with civil society’s contribution;
• By the end of 2027, Ukraine receives a ‘good level of preparation’ assessment  (4 out of 5) in most of the negotiation chapters;
• The EU decides to open all 35 accession negotiation chapters and to close at least some of them by the end of 2027;
• Economic benefits for the EU from Ukraine’s accession are analyzed and promoted jointly with European think tanks, widely shared and supported among the EU institutions and members states’ governments and societies;
• Civil society initiates and agrees with the government on a concept for European integration at the regional and local levels. It becomes the foundation for national regional policy, reforms of local democracy, implementation of EU norms, and participation in EU programmes.

Goal 3.2. Civil society as the foundation for international support for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine

The International Renaissance Foundation will work to preserve and strengthen a democratic international alliance that stands for its values and principles. Today, international discussions are increasingly shifting from the topic of Ukraine’s victory to possible negotiations on ending the war. Under these conditions, it is critically important to maintain public support for Ukraine in key partner countries. This means that civil society in those countries must continue to stand with Ukraine and actively support it.

IRF and its partners will work to consolidate international support for Ukraine’s victory over Russian aggression. This includes securing more resolute military, financial and economic assistance, increasing political and economic pressure on the aggressor, and providing Ukraine with credible security guarantees from the EU, the US, and the G7 countries.

To achieve a just and sustainable peace, international support must be long-term. States and societies must be ready to deter the aggressor and ensure that it cannot restart the war. This requires:

• further increase of defence and financial assistance,
• greater contributions from the EU, European states, and allies in the Far East,
• credible security guarantees for Ukraine, including NATO membership or deployment of international forces to support a peace settlement.

Stopping Russia’s war machine and preventing authoritarian regimes from using war as a tool is only possible if societies recognise the enormous cost of aggression and acknowledge it as an international crime with no justification.

Ukraine’s experience in international advocacy makes it possible to expand cooperation with civil societies in key partner countries. This includes resisting conflicts, shrinking civic space, and authoritarian influence, which require a strong civic stance, including against malignant populism, disinformation, and pressure on civil society organisations.

Together with partners from the Open Society Foundations and foundations in Central and Eastern Europe, we will support civic engagement and solidarity initiatives. We will also work to raise awareness about the importance of freedoms and democracy, and the need to defend them.

IRF and civil society partners will work to build closer ties with countries of the Global South in order to jointly develop effective responses to illegal aggression and its global consequences. We will support civil society networks, advocacy initiatives, expert dialogues, and joint policy contributions to international institutions. We will also strengthen cooperation with Open Society Foundations organisations and networks in Europe and beyond.

Milestones:

• Ukrainian civil society advocacy helps maintain a high level of international support for Ukraine in Europe and the United States;
• Ukrainian and international partners work together to curbing Russia’s ability for waging aggressive war;
• Think tanks, civil society organisations and media expand cooperation with countries of the Global South — building partnerships, identifying shared interests, participating in multilateral fora, and promoting support for a just peace from the governments of those countries;
• Ukrainian civil society contributes to decolonizing the Russian Studies in the West and the Global South and helps deconstruction of the Kremlin’s imperialistic historical and political narratives;
• International awareness of challenges to civic freedoms, cultural, economic and political rights of indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation is improved; 
• Ukraine shares its experience with civil society in countries facing anti-democratic threats, helping them strengthen democratic institutions during times of crisis.