ZHAW International Business Podium: Europe in 2026 – On the Edge of Peace or Major Conflict with Russia?

Europe is entering 2026 with a level of geopolitical uncertainty not seen in years: Since reports of Russian drones in NATO airspace, e.g. Poland, Denmark and German, and threats against Finland, Europe has been in turmoil. The Kremlin no longer seems to shy away from direct confrontation with NATO territory.

Russian provocations have become part of everyday life – and now, for the first time, they are occurring in close proximity to Switzerland. At the same time, President Trump is pushing for a quick peace in Ukraine and coming back to 'business as usual' with Russia. Will peace between Russian and Ukraine be achieved in 2026? And if so, will it be stable and just? If not, is Europe on the brink of a all-out war – and what does this mean for Switzerland?

There is not only a growing fear of military confrontation but also an intensified risk of new sanctions, trade risks or supply chains under pressure. Will Swiss business already have to prepare for tangible changes in 2026?

The discussion will feature Dr. Igor Gretskiy, Senior Researcher at the International Center for Defence and Security in Estonia (expert on Russia and its foreign policy), Dr. Alina Nychyk, Senior Researcher at the ZHAW School of Management and Law (expert on Ukraine's foreign policy and EU-Ukraine-Russia relations) and Prof. Dr. Florian Keller, Head of the Center for Geopolitics and Competitiveness at the ZHAW School of Management and Law (expert on Switzerland and Swiss-European relations).