The event featured a lecture by the editors and contributors of Ukraine’s Patronal Democracy and the Russian Invasion, providing an in-depth examination of how Russia’s full-scale invasion has transformed Ukraine’s political system. The speakers examined how wartime solidarity and a strengthened national identity are transforming the country’s democratic prospects. The discussion drew on the book’s analysis of Ukraine’s political-economic trajectory, highlighting how patronal networks and post-communist legacies continue to influence governance. Contributors explored whether the war may open opportunities for anti-patronal reforms, stronger institutions, and a more resilient democracy in the years ahead.