Russia-Ukraine Masterclass 2026

The Russia-Ukraine Masterclass is an immersive, half-day workshop designed for a select group of senior-level foreign policy congressional staffers. The program provides a focused, in-depth examination of Russia-related foreign policy challenges through expert-led panels featuring Carnegie scholars. Throughout the afternoon, participants will engage directly with subject-matter experts, gaining practical insights into key strategic, security, and geopolitical dynamics. The program concludes with a reception from 4-5pm.

PROGRAM SYLLABUS & SPEAKERS

• Session 1: State of the War: Russia’s Military Capabilities and Strategic Outlook
  Speakers: Dara Massicot and Eugene Rumer
• Session 2: Inside Putin’s Russia: Domestic Pressures, Economic Realities, and Foreign Policy Drivers
  Speakers: Andrew Weiss and Nate Reynolds
• Session 3: Ukraine, European Security, and the Future of U.S.–Russia Relations Under President Trump
  Speakers: Eric Ciaramella and Eric Green

KEY QUESTIONS

• What is the latest operational update on the war in Ukraine?
• What battlefield trends are likely to emerge for the remainder of 2026?
• How has the war in Ukraine affected Russian foreign policy, including its relationships with key partners like China? What will be the main drivers of its foreign and security policies moving forward?
• What are the key pillars of stability for Putin’s regime? What are the key challenges facing the Russian economy?
• What are the prospects for a ceasefire or peace settlement, and how do Moscow and Kyiv perceive the ongoing negotiations process?
• What options exist for Ukraine’s long-term security arrangements with the West? What might the U.S. role in such arrangements be?
• How does Russia view its relationship with the United States, and what are the prospects for cooperation in key areas, like arms control?