John Kirby Speaks on Ukraine War and Chinese Strategic Competition at Ukraine War Anniversary Event

John Kirby addresses Georgetown students in Healy Hall’s Riggs Library (Georgetown University School of Foreign Service)

John Kirby, the National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications and a former adjunct lecturer at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (SFS), spoke to Georgetown students about national security issues ranging from the ongoing war in Ukraine to Chinese balloon surveillance efforts on February 16, marking the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

The conversation was moderated by Marie Harf, the SFS Director of External Relations and former spokesperson in the Department of State and CIA. Four recipients of the Gracias Family Sunflower Current Use Scholarship Fund, an SFS scholarship made available for Ukrainian students displaced by the war, were also in attendance.

In his opening remarks, Kirby highlighted the lessons learned in the last year of fighting in Ukraine. He applauded Ukrainian resilience in the face of a Russian military now struggling with logistics, air-ground integration, and unit cohesion. Additionally, he emphasized the war’s importance for U.S. values and NATO’s relevance in European security.

Harf and Kirby’s conversation began with forecasts of the war’s future. While Kirby estimates “this could end tomorrow,” the lack of any indication of possible negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin makes the next six months crucial. He underscored the importance of the United States and Germany’s tank shipments to Ukraine as they prepare to defend against renewed Russian offensives when harsh weather conditions alleviate.

Looking inward, he spoke about the U.S. government’s coordinated response to the war, dispelling the notion of Congress’s political fatigue for assistance to Ukraine. To Kirby, the recent $40 billion Ukrainian aid package, statements from congressional leaders, and the establishment of the intergovernmental Ukraine Defense Contact Group justified optimism for the widespread continuation of support for Ukraine.

Kirby also noted the unprecedented declassification of intelligence by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who spoke at Georgetown last semester, and its information warfare potential. He explained that controlled information declassification will continue to disrupt Russian operations without jeopardizing the intelligence community’s efforts.

When the floor opened to questions from the audience, students asked Kirby about the Biden administration’s stance on China. Kirby clarified that of the four objects that were observed in the preceding week, only the first was confirmed to be a Chinese spy balloon, while intelligence officials believed the last three served commercial or research purposes.

He also fielded a question about the Biden Administration’s characterization of China as a “strategic competitor” rather than a threat, displaying optimism that peaceful cooperation in areas such as climate change and counterterrorism is attainable. However, he acknowledged the risks of the changing information environment that define the U.S.-China relationship, remarking that “now you can’t even tie your shoes while the lie is halfway around the world,” referring to a popular Mark Twain quote.

Asked about his role as a government public affairs officer, Kirby described the shift to a “post-audience world,” in which information ecosystems move faster. At the same time, he underscored the importance of slowing down in times of crisis, citing his experience during the 2022 Kabul airport bombing.

Finally, Kirby concluded with a piece of unconventional current Georgetown students. In picking his career in public affairs by random chance, Kirby explained, he learned the importance of “letting life get in the way.” Decades later, still grappling with imminent geopolitical challenges, Kirby remains dedicated to that path.