The Head of Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration will bring first-hand experience from one of Ukraine’s regions most directly affected by the war.

Ivan Fedorov, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration and Chief of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, will participate as a speaker at Forsvarskonferansen – Nordic Defence and Security Conference on 22–23 September.

Fedorov will take part in the session “The Future of Ukraine Is Our Future – A Political Perspective”, together with Ine Eriksen Søreide, Leader of the Conservative Party (Høyre), and additional speakers to be announced. He will participate digitally.

A direct connection between Trøndelag and Zaporizhzhia

Zaporizhzhia holds a special place in the Nordic context as Trøndelag County’s friendship region in Ukraine. The relationship provides a strong foundation for cooperation and exchange between the two regions, particularly at a time when Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Fedorov brings first-hand experience of leading a region under wartime conditions. Before taking responsibility for the regional administration, he served as Mayor of Melitopol.

When Russian forces occupied Melitopol following the full-scale invasion in 2022, Fedorov refused to cooperate with the occupying authorities. He was abducted by Russian forces on 11 March 2022 and held captive for six days before being released in a prisoner exchange.

Today, he is responsible for leading Zaporizhzhia amid an ongoing war, with responsibility for maintaining critical public functions and supporting the region’s resilience.

His participation will provide a direct perspective from Ukraine on the country’s future, the challenges facing its regions and the importance of continued international support and cooperation.

Forsvarskonferansen takes place at Scandic Hell in Stjørdal on 22–23 September 2026.