European institutions and Ukraine’s role in modern diplomacy: a meeting with Ambassador Viktor Nikitiuk

Students of the Junior Diplomatic Academy once again had the opportunity to welcome Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Viktor Nikitiuk within the walls of the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth. This time, the conversation was dedicated to European institutions, their role in protecting human rights, and Ukraine’s place within today’s European diplomatic landscape.

Drawing from his own experience at the Council of Europe, the Ambassador explained how his first encounter with the organization eventually became a long-term diplomatic mission. Through personal stories and practical examples, participants gained a clearer understanding of Europe’s complex institutional system—something that even experienced politicians can find confusing. Step by step, they explored the differences between the Council of Europe, the European Council, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the European Union.

The discussion also explored how European organizations emerged after World War II to protect human rights and maintain stability across the continent. Participants learned about the structure of the Council of Europe, as well as the roles of the European Court of Human Rights and the Venice Commission.

A significant part of the conversation focused on the aftermath of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and russia’s removal from the Council of Europe due to widespread human rights violations. Special attention was given to the efforts of Ukrainian diplomats who initiated an emergency meeting of the Committee of Ministers to push for russia’s expulsion. Participants were particularly moved by the Ambassador’s recollection of the symbolic removal of the russian flag from the organization’s premises—a moment that demonstrated how diplomacy can act quickly, firmly, and on principle during times of crisis.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about the European Union and the challenges Ukraine faces on its path toward membership. Even the most complex topics were presented in a clear and accessible way, reflecting the main goal of the event: not simply to provide information, but to help young people better understand international processes and the realities of modern diplomacy.

The meeting concluded on a warm and memorable note as participants presented the Ambassador with a branded Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth mug and officially invited him to their graduation ball.

Rita Kosyak, Head of the Project Office at the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth, reflected:

“For our participants, meetings like this are especially meaningful because they show that international politics and diplomacy are not abstract concepts from the news, but the everyday work of people who negotiate, make decisions, and represent their country’s interests. Today, young people not only learned about European institutions, but also saw how diplomacy operates during times of crisis—how essential professionalism, quick decision-making, and Ukraine’s clear international position truly are. Conversations like these help shape a real understanding of how international organizations function and the important role Ukraine already plays within them.”