Mariia Zolkina

Mariia Zolkina is the Head of Regional Security and Conflict Studies at the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation (DIF) and Co-Founder of the Kalmius Group. She works as a researcher and public opinion analyst, in particular in the area of public perceptions of foreign policy issues, European and Euro-Atlantic perspectives of Ukraine, security and reintegration of temporary occupied territories.  Since 2014 she has been producing expertise on the political component of Russia-Ukraine conflict, especially regarding Donbas, and the socio-political implications of the conflict both on a national and international level.  Author of a number of policy papers as well as publications in prominent Ukrainian and international mass media.

Ms. Zolkina has been developing various opinion polls regarding conflict-related issues and analytical reports on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including reports aimed at designing of official public policies. She regularly consults international organizations on negotiation strategies and the socio-political implications of Russian aggression.