- June 17, 2026
- , 19:00
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- June 17, 2026
- , 22:00
The Aspen Institute Germany Summer Reception is one of the highlights of the Institute’s annual calendar. Each year, it brings together partners, members of the Aspen community, and leading voices from politics, academia, business, and civil society for an evening of discussion and exchange. This year’s conversation, on June 17, 2026, focused on how Russia’s internal transformation is shaping the war against Ukraine and Europe’s security landscape.
Moderated by Aspen Germany Executive Director Stormy-Annika Mildner, the panel featured Agnieszka Brugger, Member of the German Bundestag (Alliance 90/The Greens), Roman Goncharenko, Correspondent at Deutsche Welle, Dr. Margarete Klein, Head of Research Division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), and Dr. Tobias Lindner, Senior Executive Advisor at PwC Germany and former Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office. Together, they explored the strategic drivers behind the Kremlin’s actions, the political, economic, and societal transformations unfolding inside Russia, and the implications for Europe and the transatlantic relationship.
A central takeaway from the discussion was that Russia’s actions can only be understood through the internal logic of the Kremlin. The speakers emphasized that imperial ambitions, an increasing willingness to take risks, and the use of external confrontation to reinforce domestic political control have become defining features of Russia’s current trajectory. They also highlighted how growing militarization, political repression, and economic isolation are reshaping Russia while fundamentally altering Europe’s long-term security environment.
The discussion continued during the reception in the courtyard of the Mendelssohn-Remise, where guests, speakers, and members of the Aspen community exchanged ideas in an informal setting. Once again, the Summer Reception provided a unique opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, forge new connections, and continue conversations across institutional and disciplinary boundaries –an exchange that lies at the heart of the Aspen community.
