Where is Russia heading?

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For 25 years, Vladimir Putin has consolidated power in Russia, intensifying repression at home while pursuing expansionist ambitions abroad. With Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine now in its fourth year, the EU’s focus remains on countering Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine. But regardless of how the war ends, Russia will not disappear. The EU must look beyond immediate responses and develop a long-term strategy for Russia, including the question: what comes after Putin?

In his book Where is Russia Heading? Scenarios for the Time Afterwards (summary in English), Jens Siegert, former long-time Director of Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s Moscow office, examines how Russia’s political system, civil society, and historical context could shape its post-Putin trajectory.

While change under Putin is unlikely, Russia’s future remains uncertain. What scenarios could unfold? What do we need to understand about Russia’s political structures and society to prepare for what comes next? How should the EU navigate its strategy, and which actors—inside and outside Russia—should it engage with?

Join us for an in-depth discussion with MEP Ville Niinistö, Ulla Hakanen (EEAS' Russia Division) and Jens Siegert on shaping the EU’s Russia strategy, considering both current realities and potential long-term developments.

Programme

17:00 Welcome remarks by Roderick Kefferpütz, Director Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union

17:05 Book presentation and discussion with:

• Jens Siegert, Journalist 
• Ville Niinistö, Member of the European Parliament (Greens/EFA) and Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee
• Ulla Hakanen, Deputy Head of Russia Division, European External Action Service (EEAS)

18:00 Q&A

18:30 Reception