Igor Mitchnik
First Executive Manager
Since February 1, 2024, Igor is the First Executive Manager of Austausch. Prior to this role, Igor Mitchnik was primarily involved in civil society, humanitarian, and analytical projects in and related to crisis and conflict areas in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus. From 2019 to 2021, he was deployed by Austausch to Eastern Ukraine, where he was responsible for two years for the establishment and management of ‘Drukarnia’ in Sloviansk (Donetsk Region). Even thereafter, his work focus remained predominantly in Ukraine, where he collaborated with American NGOs such as the Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and Mercy Corps.
Igor Mitchnik holds a dual master’s degree in Politics and Security from Tartu (Estonia) and University College London. He was a fellow of the Mercator Kolleg for International Affairs, the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes), and the Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk.
Recent articles
Instead of “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” we are now hearing “Nothing about Europe without Europe”
Austausch e.V.’s First Executive Director Igor Mitchnik gave an interview to Bulgarian media
Position letter on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2025
While debates in Germany during the election season revolve around migration, deportations, and socio-economic crises, Europe’s security order remains as fragile as ever. The radical disengagement of the U.S. administration from the transatlantic partnership intensifies the urgency for action.
IN MY ROOM – Vernissage & Fundraiser, аn evening of art, conversation, and music with Feli & Pepita
The opening night of IN MY ROOM, a photography exhibition by artist duo Feli & Pepita on March 1st!
Poland, Germany, and Ukraine at a Turning Point: Strengthening or Breaking the Alliance
A new report, prepared by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in cooperation with us and Austausch e.V.
Lessons from Bucha: Only Liberation Brings Peace
This Sunday marks the second anniversary of the liberation of Bucha in the north of Kyiv. Here is a brief comment from our Director, Igor Mitchnik.
This ‘election’ leaves no choice: Putin must not be internationally recognized!
This ‘election’ leaves no choice! On Sunday, Vladimir Putin intends to confirm himself as president in office once again. Leading opposition figures are either imprisoned in Russian jails or, like Alexei Navalny most recently, murdered by the regime.
