On March 9, 2025, CISS Youth hosted the 15th session of "CISS Youth Forum," focusing on "Three Years of Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Origins and Reflections." The event featured Dang Haonan, a member of the 5th cohort of CISS Youth and a graduate of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), as the keynote speaker, with commentary by Song Bo, fellow of CISS, Tsinghua University. Over a hundred faculty members and students from universities including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, and China Foreign Affairs University participated online. The session was moderated by Ye Zichen, Secretary-General of the 5th CISS Youth Members.

At the outset, Dang Haonan shared the inspiration behind his research and, drawing on his observations during his studies in Russia, systematically outlined the key issues of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He particularly explored when the Russian decision-makers resolved to address the 'Ukraine issue' through military means. Using primary historical materials from the Russo-Japanese War as a starting point, he emphasized the importance of original sources from involved nations in studying conflict evolution. Dang then clarified the timeline of escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, delving into critical junctures to reveal the complex dynamics of multiparty game involving Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and Europe, while uncovering the underlying factors shaping the trajectory of proxy warfare.

Building on this analysis, Dang evaluated the breakdown of U.S.-Russia security guarantee negotiations and provided a detailed interpretation of Putin’s two televised addresses, shedding light on the pivotal shifts in Russian decision-making. He reviewed the conflict’s evolution over three years, integrating diplomatic rhetoric and actions from both Russia and the West, to probe the root causes of the outbreak. By examining the clash of interests within protracted security dilemmas, he argued that the conflict bore a structural inevitability to some extent—a perspective crucial for understanding its origins.

Dr.Song Bo praised Dang’s analytical approach, commending its academic acumen and foresight, and further deepened the discussion on the root cause of the conflict. During the Q&A, Zhou Yang, a member of CISS Youth, engaged with the speaker on transnational public opinions in warfare, while attendees from Jilin University, Renmin University of China, and other institutions raised questions on contemporary Russian society and potential conflict resolution pathways. The speaker responded to these questions and concluded the session.