This article analyses the experiences of Ukrainian and German researchers in using an action research approach to explore
dialogue activities at the civil society level in post-2014 Ukraine. It explains why and how the classical model of action
research has been modified to fit the specific conflict and research context in this case. By connecting academic
researchers with practitioners as well as local Ukrainian actors with international experts from the initial stage of research
design to the dissemination of findings, the action research approach has allowed the stimulation of tangible change in
dialogue practice in Ukraine within the life span of the research project.