Jana Kobzova

In this insightful discussion, Jana Kobzova, co-director of ECFR’s European Security Programme with a focus on Ukraine, teams up with Jim O’Brien, a former US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe. They delve into a leaked 28-point framework aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict, dismissing it as a potential capitulation. The duo analyzes the implications for European security and the contentious demands of the plan. They also address how Ukraine's sovereignty can be preserved amidst international negotiations while navigating domestic political challenges.

Jana Kobzova, co-director of ECFR's European Security Programme and former advisor to Slovakia’s president, breaks down the complex dynamics of Ukraine's ongoing conflict. She discusses crucial developments, including the Anchorage meeting between Trump and Putin and its implications for U.S.-European relations. The podcast explores Zelensky's fluctuating influence amid domestic unrest, public protests against anti-corruption measures, and the shifting landscape of security guarantees as European leaders strategize on deterrence and support for Ukraine.

Julien Barnes-Dacey, Alex Vines, Andrew Small, and Jana Kobzová bring their expertise to discuss Europe's looming challenges in 2026. They explore the prospects of a ceasefire in Ukraine and the impact of Iran's protests on regional stability. The conversation shifts to Africa's complex security landscape, highlighting critical conflicts and economic struggles. Lastly, they delve into China's growing influence and the geopolitical tensions surrounding it, forecasting a year of relative calm—but cautioning about potential flashpoints ahead.