Perspectives into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

With the unfolding events following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, our expert researchers are sharing their insight and research commentary. We look at the issues affecting Ukraine and the rest of the world - including international sanctions, migration and displacement and the economy.

Find out more about our experts covering the crisis

NameTitleArea of focus
Jenny Allsopp Birmingham Fellow
(Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology)
Youth migration
Humanitarianism
Social policy of migration and asylum
Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay Professor of Economics Leadership in times of conflict
John Bryson Chair in Enterprise and Economic Geography Cyber security
National security
International relations
Economy of war
Tereza Capelos Director of the Institute for Conflict Cooperation and Security Determinants of political judgements
Role of emotions and values on radicalisation
Political trust, cooperation and conflict
Civic engagement and media use
David H Dunn Professor in International Politics Security policy
Use of force in diplomacy
Nuclear and arms strategy
NATO and European security
Diplomacy
Sara Fregonese Associate Professor of Political Geography Urban conflict
Terrorism
The role of cities in geopolitics
Charlotte Galpin Associate Professor in German and European Politics National identity
Nationalism
EU citizenship
Tim Haughton Reader in European Politics Politics of Central and Eastern Europe
Party politics
Political campaigning in Eastern Europe
Martin Ottmann Associate Professor in Peace and Conflict Studies Political economy of civil war and development, including peace processes and negotiated settlements
Power-sharing, resource redistribution, elections, and political trust after war.
Jenny Phillimore Professor of Migration and Superdiversity Forced migration
Border laws
Displacement 
Immigration protocol
Patrick Porter Professor of International Security and Strategy Power politics
Causes and consequences of decline in power
Foreign and defence policies
International security
Nando Sigona Chair of International Migration and Forced Displacement Refugees
Migration governance
Asylum seekers
Immigration and identity
Graham Timmins Reader in International Politics European integration
Foreign policy role of the EU
EU-Russia politics
NATO
Mark Webber Professor of International Politics Security policy
Diplomacy
International summitry
Nick Wheeler Professor of International Relations Trust and international relations
Sovereignty 
International conflict
International security
Humanitarianism
Trust between nuclear armed states
Kataryna Wolczuk Professor of East European Politics Relations between EU and post-Soviet states
Integration in post-Soviet space
Nationalism and national identity in post-communist countries
Cultural politics of Russia and Eastern Europe
Foreign, security and development policy
Stefan Wolff Professor of International Security Negotiations in war
International diplomacy
International security
Democracy

UK government's response to refugee crisis is too little, too confused, too slow

Professor Nando Sigona

The UK, despite government rhetoric of "generosity" has been underwhelming and out of step with the rest of Europe in relation to supporting Ukrainian refugees.

Read the full article in the Birmingham Brief

Refugees walking along railroad tracks

News and Articles

Lessons from a Year of War in Ukraine

Ukraine war protesters holding Ukraine flags
Description:
The brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine has reminded the world that wars of imperial conquest are not relegated to centuries past.
Date:
24 February 2023

Coordinated international approach to sanctions required in response to Russian-Ukraine war

Protestors supporting Ukraine
Description:
The most important challenge facing the free world is to develop a coordinated approach to imposing all types of sanctions to discourage military aggression.
Date:
09 August 2022

Celebrating democracy and diversity: Putin’s Ukrainian failure and plan continuation bias

Russian President, Vladimir Putin speaking at a press conference
Description:
Events in Russia over Ukraine highlight that there are serious weaknesses with the Russian approach to governance.
Date:
29 March 2022

Russia’s War in Ukraine: Its Impact on Trauma

A woolly hat lies on the floor among debris near a cordoned off area following shelling by Russian forces
Description:
Trauma is a huge effect of war not only on physical health, which is more easily visible, but also the mental health consequence, which may remain hidden.
Date:
24 March 2022

Russia's War in Ukraine: It's Impact on Critical Materials Supply & Green Energy

Macro shot of semiconductor chip on a circuit board
Description:
The elephant in the room is of course Europe's dependence on the vast quantities of hydrocarbons that flow from Russia into Europe.
Date:
17 March 2022

An urban conflict perspective on the war in Ukraine

View of Ukraine's capital Kiev
Description:
In Ukrainian cities, close-quarter fighting is more likely to take place than in open rural spaces which will have a greater impact on people's everyday lives.
Date:
03 March 2022

Russia to Change the Status Quo?

The flags of Russia and Ukraine flying side by side
Description:
Why has this crisis arisen now when nothing on the ground in Ukraine has changed and there is no prospect of NATO membership for Ukraine any time soon?
Date:
22 February 2022

Russia’s War on Ukraine: What can we learn from Europe’s other conflicts?

Dr Nicholas Barker and Dr George Kyris
20 February 2023

 

Commentary: Why is the idea of a 'neutral' Ukraine a non-starter in peace talks?

Professor Stefan Wolff, Professor David Dunn
25 March 2022

What Does ‘De-Nazification’ Mean to Russians?

Professor Sara Jones, Dr Maren Rohe
21 March 2022


 Response to Ukraine crisis must protect women and children

Dr Sandra Pertek, Professor Jenny Phillimore
14 March 2022

We’re nuclear weapons experts – this is the reality of Putin’s threat

Professor Nick Wheeler, Rishi Paul
10 March 2022

What does the Ukraine crisis mean for the automotive sector?

Professor David Bailey
7 March 2022


IN THE CONVERSATION

Previous articles in The Conversation

Support for staff and students from the University of Birmingham 

We understand that the situation in Ukraine and Russia may be distressing for our staff and students, particularly those with family, friends or other connections who may be affected. We are closely monitoring the situation and are reaching out to members of our community who are directly impacted, including those currently working and studying in the wider region, to offer and provide support. If you are concerned regarding any staff or students who may be in the region or affected, then please let us know as a matter of urgency. We also strongly encourage all staff and students to follow the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) advice.

Students can talk to their School Wellbeing Officers or access a range of mental health and wellbeing support via the Your Wellbeing pages on the intranet.

Staff can contact the University’s Employee Assistance Programme 24 hours a day 7 days a week and can also speak to their line manager or their HR team about other support that may be available.

Also in 'College of Social Sciences (CoSS)'