Diplomatic Discussion with Estonian Ambassador to the U.S. Kristjan Prikk: Russia, Ukraine, Europe and Beyond

The Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs and the Center for Slavic, Eurasian and East European Studies will host Estonian Ambassador to the United States Kristjan Prikk on Thursday, Jan. 25. The Diplomatic Discussion will take place in Mandela Auditorium in the FedEx Global Education Center. Ambassador Prikk will share his insights on “Russia, Ukraine, Europe and Beyond: Objectives, Risks, Opportunities,” followed by a fireside chat with political science professor and Russia expert Dr. Graeme Robertson, who will then moderate an audience Q&A session.

Prikk will discuss the Estonian and European perspectives on current challenges to global security, with a focus on Russia’s war against Ukraine and the Western response. As the U.S., European Union and transatlantic partners have committed to supporting Ukraine, Estonia has been at the forefront of this effort. Estonia is the world’s leading per capita contributor of military aid to Ukraine and the third highest per capita recipient of Ukrainian refugees. In his presentation, Prikk will explore the importance of ending Russia’s cycle of aggression for the future of European and broader global security. He will discuss the role of transatlantic cooperation in advancing shared values, including democracy and the rule of law, as well as ensuring Europe — including Ukraine — is prosperous and free.

Pizza will be served after the event. CLE credit is available. Plan to join? Let us know!

Prikk has served as ambassador since May 2021. He previously served as the permanent secretary of the Estonian Ministry of Defense with responsibility for the Estonian Defense Forces, the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service and the Centre for Defense Investments. In addition to the Ministry of Defense, he also held roles with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs working on NATO issues, the Estonian Government Office, the Estonian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the International Cooperation Department in Tallinn. Prikk earned his master’s degree from the U.S. Army War College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tartu in Estonia.

The Diplomatic Discussions series through UNC-Chapel Hill’s Diplomacy Initiative brings top foreign affairs practitioners from the U.S. and around the world to Carolina to give public talks and classroom discussions on current global issues.

This event is also co-sponosored by the Center for European Studies.