Ukraine must be granted full membership in the European Union and receive clear security guarantees from NATO. Victory over Russia is a key condition for stability on the European continent. Former Polish President Andrzej Duda (2015–2025) stated this in his speech at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?"

He began his speech by recalling his visit to Kyiv on February 23, 2022, with the President of Lithuania, calling it a symbolic moment on the eve of the full-scale invasion. As the former president emphasized, this visit was not merely a gesture, but a commitment. "It was a promise that Poland, Lithuania, and the entire democratic world would stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine."

Duda emphasized that Poland has fulfilled this commitment by opening its borders to millions of Ukrainians, becoming a key logistics hub for aid, and transferring its own weapons and military equipment to Ukraine. "We did this because we understood: Ukraine’s security is Poland’s security, and Poland’s security is the security of the entire transatlantic community," he stated.

The former president stressed that the main task now is to continue supporting Ukraine in the war while also thinking about the future. "We must answer the question that will define the next decade right now: How can we help Ukraine rebuild what has been destroyed and become a sovereign, independent, modern European state?" he noted.

Duda also emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s European integration. "Ukraine belongs to the European Union. For now, at least, it belongs spiritually, but its full membership is not a matter of charity. It is a matter of justice and strategic necessity," he stated.

Duda also stressed that Ukraine must receive clear and reliable security guarantees. "Ukraine deserves clear and convincing security guarantees from NATO, along with a clear path to full membership, if that is the sovereign will of the Ukrainian people."

He emphasized that the war must end with a just peace that restores Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Duda also stressed the importance of holding Russia accountable and called for tougher sanctions to limit its military capabilities and energy revenues as much as possible.

He emphasized that Russian energy projects, particularly Nord Stream, must be dismantled completely, as they create dependency and undermine Europe’s security.

Regarding post-war reconstruction, Duda said Ukrainians should primarily carry it out. According to him, frozen Russian assets should be the main source of funding for reconstruction.

In conclusion, Duda urged the international community not to succumb to "war fatigue". "There is no room for war fatigue. The free world will never get tired. We will support Ukraine until victory," he declared.

He emphasized that Ukraine’s victory would be a victory for the entire democratic world and guarantee security in Europe, stating, "Ukraine’s victory will be a victory for the free world".

Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.  This year it is held on April 23-24.