Russian Influence through Separatist Movements: Study Presented at the European Parliament

Büro des Europaabgeordneten Oliver Schenk

MEP Schenk, Dr. Jan-Philipp Wölbern, Taras Mokliak, MEP Krzysztof Brejza are discussing the results of the study

Büro des Europaabgeordneten Oliver Schenk

The presentation is organised at the premises of the European Parliament

Büro des Europaabgeordneten Oliver Schenk

Among the participants are MEPs and referents from different countries as well as diplomats and politicians.

Büro des Europaabgeordneten Oliver Schenk

Speakers of the presentation MEP Schenk, Dr. Jan-Philipp Wölbern and Taras Mokliak

Büro des Europaabgeordneten Oliver Schenk

Büro des Europaabgeordneten Oliver Schenk

Büro des Europaabgeordneten Oliver Schenk

Büro des Europaabgeordneten Oliver Schenk

On 30 September 2026, the study “The Self-Determination Playbook:  How the Russian Federation Exploits Separatist Movements in Europe” was presented at the European Parliament in Brussels at the invitation of German MEP Oliver Schenk. The study was prepared by the Centre for Defence Reforms with the support of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Office in Ukraine.

The event was opened by Oliver Schenk and Dr. Jan-Philipp Wölbern, Deputy Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Office in Ukraine. Taras Mokliak then presented the study’s key findings. Polish MEP Krzysztof Brejza gave an initial reaction, thereby also contributing to the subsequent discussion.

The aim of the event was to draw the attention of European policymakers and the expert community to the methods and instruments used by the Russian Federation to undermine the unity of European states, as well as to present Ukrainian experience in countering such threats.

During the discussion, participants examined how Russian state structures and affiliated networks systematically support separatist and radical movements in order to weaken democratic institutions, social cohesion and mechanisms of collective security in Europe.

Particular attention was paid to the need to raise awareness of Russian influence methods and to strengthen the resilience of European societies against disinformation, political manipulation and subversive activities. Ukraine’s experience in resisting Russian aggression and hybrid influence instruments can provide an important source of knowledge for partners in the European Union and NATO.

The event was held with the support of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and provided a platform for discussing common approaches to protecting democratic values and European security.

The study is available in the right-hand section of this page.