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Putin is trying to sow fear among the EU member states to block the use of frozen Russian assets as collateral to secure a loan for Ukraine. This was stated by the Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014-2016) Arseniy Yatsenyuk in an interview with British radio station LBC.According to him, Putin's threats against Belgium following the announcement of a possible unfreezing of assets are a common intimidation tactic.‘This is scaremongering. It is important for the European Union and the free world – remnants of the free world – just to act, to make the decision. And this decision is on the table. Russia has committed a crime of aggression and crimes against humanity. It is crystal clear that Russia has to pay the price,’ Yatsenyuk stressed.The former prime minister stressed that using frozen assets as collateral is the first step towards holding Russia accountable.The Chairman of the KSF also explained the position of Belgium, which opposed the confiscation of assets: "The Belgian government was concerned about acts of sabotage and terrorism. But again, that’s a regular playbook of Putin. He simply wants to sow fear among the EU member states. And the only response we have is just to act and show that we are fearless, that we do not care about his threats, that we act to make Ukraine win this war."At the same time, according to the former prime minister, the European Commission has provided support to the Belgian government, which effectively paves the way for the right decision to be made. Yatsenyuk also stressed Ukraine's critical need for funding."We are completely out of cash, and everyone knows it. Ukraine has been provided a really strong lifeline from our European partners, and as of now we desperetaly need a new injection of both financial and military support. The EU seized around $200 billion, and maybe even more, of the russian sovereign assets [...] It is important for the EU to show that they are serious about either confiscating or using the sovereign assets to provide the reparation loan for Ukraine to give it a line in order to prevail in &nbsp;this war," the Chairman of the KSF concluded.

Putin is trying to sow fear among the EU member states to block the use of frozen Russian assets as collateral to secure a loan for Ukraine. This was stated by the Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014-2016) Arseniy Yatsenyuk in an interview with British radio station LBC.

Yatsenyuk: Putin is intimidating Belgium to block the use of Russian assets as collateral for Ukraine

<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="100%" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ts5bzLJoAVs?si=M7kG7Wvf0wYeyAXF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Signing the Budapest Memorandum was one of the most fundamental mistakes in Ukrainian foreign policy. In 1994, Ukraine voluntarily relinquished the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal, but received only political declarations in exchange.Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine's Prime Minister from 2014 to 2016 and Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, discussed this at the 11th Kyiv Youth Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE"."The original Budapest Memorandum does not contain a single word about guarantees. Even if it did, these guarantees were not secured by anything," he said.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_4_35f5bd6c94.jpeg" alt="0x0 (4).jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_4_35f5bd6c94.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_4_35f5bd6c94.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_4_35f5bd6c94.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_4_35f5bd6c94.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed that neither the U.S. administration nor Congress was ready to make legal commitments to Ukraine at that time. "The American side clearly stated that it would not certify the memorandum. This was said during closed negotiations," the former Prime Minister emphasized.“I can quote President Clinton, who apologized to the Ukrainian people for signing the Budapest Memorandum. This is important, but the fact remains that this decision effectively paved the way for russia to occupy Ukraine," he added.Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted that Ukraine had been under threat of russian aggression long before 2014, but the world ignored it. "At that time, few believed that russia would invade Ukraine. The world turned a blind eye. We are seeing the same thing happen now," he said.The politician recalled that, in 2014, he had to convince his Western counterparts that the events in Crimea were not the work of "little green men", but rather of regular russian army units. He also mentioned Ukraine's rejection of NATO's Membership Action Plan and russia's war against Georgia as examples of the same logic of underestimating the Kremlin's threat.According to Arseniy Yatsenyuk, the main conclusion concerns possible future negotiations. "If a miracle happens – and I emphasize, a miracle – and real peace talks begin, we must never allow the mistakes of the Budapest Memorandum to be repeated. Ukraine has no right to agree a second time to fictitious ‘guarantees’ that are not secured by protection mechanisms and real commitments from partners,” he stressed.Arseniy Yatsenyuk also emphasized that the Budapest Memorandum, which was intended to provide security guarantees, instead set a precedent with entirely different consequences. Ukraine got rid of its nuclear weapons, lost 20% of its territory, and is now being attacked by a nuclear-armed state. Therefore, this is a very important historical lesson. But we're the ones paying for this history lesson," the politician concluded.Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007. Its goal is to strengthen and develop Ukraine's authority in the world. The foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum every year. This leading international discussion platform focuses on issues of war and peace. The foundation also organizes the Kyiv Youth Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.&nbsp;

Signing the Budapest Memorandum was one of the most fundamental mistakes in Ukrainian foreign policy. In 1994, Ukraine voluntarily relinquished the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal, but received only political declarations in exchange.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk: Mistakes of the Budapest Memorandum must not be repeated – it paved the way for the occupation of Ukraine

<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_753db0aaf0.jpeg" alt="0x0.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_753db0aaf0.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_753db0aaf0.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_753db0aaf0.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_753db0aaf0.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">The current so-called negotiations are merely an imitation. "Russia is playing this game, and everyone is either pretending to like it or participating in it." Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine's Prime Minister from 2014 to 2016 and Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, discussed this at the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE".He stressed that the only real indicators of peace can be the situation on the front lines, the level of military and financial assistance to Ukraine, and the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia.At the same time, Arseniy Yatsenyuk warned against attempts to undermine the President's legitimacy during the war. To preserve unity, he said, it is "crucial to uphold the legitimacy of the presidential institution". He said, "There have already been thoughts about possible changes to the Ukrainian government, and these thoughts did not originate in Ukraine. The president has opponents and supporters in Ukraine. However, I believe that if the institution of the President, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, is undermined today, Ukraine will repeat its experience from a century ago. We have already been through this history."At the same time, the politician stressed, “It is extremely important that the President himself realizes his historical responsibility to the Ukrainian state. Neither he nor we can afford to make mistakes.”Arseniy Yatsenyuk also emphasized the critical importance of financial support for Ukraine. "If the issue of how to close the $70 billion gap next year is not resolved... we can't win the war without money," the former Prime Minister stressed.However, he says that victory depends not only on political decisions, but also on everyone's focused work. "If everyone does their job, we will win."Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007. Its goal is to strengthen and develop Ukraine's authority in the world. The foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum every year. This leading international discussion platform focuses on issues of war and peace. The foundation also organizes the Youth Kyiv Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The current so-called negotiations are merely an imitation. Arseniy Yatsenyukg this game, and everyone is either pretending to like it or participating in it."  Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine's Prime Minister from 2014 to 2016 and Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, discussed this at the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE".

Arseniy Yatsenyuk at the Youth Kyiv Security Forum: We have no right to repeat Ukraine's experience of a century ago  

Technological solutions aimed at protecting Ukrainian military personnel, including robotic weapons, could become export products.Kateryna Mykhalko, Director-General of Tech Force in UA, discussed this topic at the 11th Kyiv Youth Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE"."This is our chance to improve Ukraine's geopolitical position because being an international arms exporter and supplier of high-tech products is the best position we can have," she said.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_2_0829db63d5.jpeg" alt="0x0 (2).jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_2_0829db63d5.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_2_0829db63d5.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_2_0829db63d5.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_2_0829db63d5.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">According to Kateryna Mykhalko, it is important to integrate Ukraine's high-tech sector into the Western world, "so that our manufacturers can actively work in the European Union and open joint production facilities there with other innovative companies".She also emphasized that robotic weapons produced by the Tech Force in UA association are replacing soldiers on the front lines."The essence of robotic weapons and drones is their ability to replace our people on the front lines, so we lose robots, not people. This is the main goal of our association," Mykhalko summed up.Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007. Its goal is to strengthen and develop Ukraine's authority in the world. The foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum every year. This leading international discussion platform focuses on issues of war and peace. The foundation also organizes the Youth Kyiv Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.

Technological solutions aimed at protecting Ukrainian military personnel, including robotic weapons, could become export products.
Kateryna Mykhalko, Director-General of Tech Force in UA, discussed this topic at the 11th Kyiv Youth Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE".

Ukraine can become a global supplier of high-tech products – Tech Force in UA representative Mykhalko

In its dialogue with the U.S., Ukraine should establish institutional ties instead of relying on one-off visits. Civil society and research organizations can play an important role in this process.Maryna Hrytsenko, Executive Director of the Snake Island Institute, made this statement during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE"."I lived in the United States for five years, but I returned to Ukraine because I saw my future there. When Trump took office, it became clear that we needed to establish separate channels of communication with Republicans. They are a different audience that needs to be heard," she explained.The Snake Island Institute analyzes how Ukraine's experience influences global security approaches and the conclusions that partners draw from it."We analyze Taiwan, South Korea, and Israel. How did they establish such strong ties with the U.S. that support continues despite political turbulence? The answer is clear: a permanent institutional presence and independent political channels of cooperation are necessary," Maryna Hrytsenko said.The team pays particular attention to integrating drones into the U.S. military's operations. According to the organization's representative, the Pentagon has tasked its units with studying Ukraine's experience thoroughly this year. The Snake Island Institute helps build horizontal ties between Ukrainian military units and U.S. military schools and research institutions.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_1_3e7214128c.jpeg" alt="0x0 (1).jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_1_3e7214128c.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_1_3e7214128c.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_1_3e7214128c.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_1_3e7214128c.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">"When reports in various U.S. units mention Ukraine as an important partner every month, it creates a base of advocates. These people can support us when political rhetoric fluctuates," she emphasized.Marina Hrytsenko does not hide her criticism when discussing internal weaknesses, "Russia is much stronger than we are in terms of consistency. We sometimes reduce communication to pretty photos of trips to the U.S. That doesn’t work. We need to establish institutional ties and avoid one-off visits."Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007. Its goal is to strengthen and develop Ukraine's authority in the world. The foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum every year. This leading international discussion platform focuses on issues of war and peace. The foundation also organizes the Youth Kyiv Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.&nbsp;

In its dialogue with the U.S., Ukraine should establish institutional ties instead of relying on one-off visits. Civil society and research organizations can play an important role in this process.

Start-up companies can promote Ukrainian-American dialogue – Snake Island Institute representative HRYTSENKO

<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_17_aebbe47bc8.jpg" alt="0x0 (17).jpg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_17_aebbe47bc8.jpg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_17_aebbe47bc8.jpg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_17_aebbe47bc8.jpg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_17_aebbe47bc8.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">In 1994, Ukrainian society did not demand security guarantees or pursue NATO membership. At that time, the presidential elections showed that Ukrainians were predominantly pro-Russia, and now we are seeing the consequences of that.Journalist Vitaly Portnikov stated this during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE"."Most citizens supported the candidate who spoke about restoring ties with Russia. At the time, the question "Who will attack us?" sounded absurd, and NATO was viewed negatively until nearly 2014," Vitaly Portnikov said.He emphasized that Ukrainians did not realize the risks that their Western partners had seen for years. This, he said, is why the U.S. was cautious and consistent in the 1990s. "Americans had a better understanding of what the collapse of the USSR could lead to. They warned that Ukraine's attempts to defend its independence could lead to a catastrophe," he noted.Addressing the current situation, the journalist pointed out how the concept of "peace" is distorted in public discourse. He noted that ceasefires are part of any settlement process, but real "peace treaties" are impossible without a balance of power.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_3_ea59a3f07f.jpeg" alt="0x0 (3).jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_3_ea59a3f07f.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_3_ea59a3f07f.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_3_ea59a3f07f.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_3_ea59a3f07f.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">According to him, even the Trump administration's approach to the Russian-Ukrainian war demonstrated internal inconsistency. "Before the meeting in Alaska, Trump convinced Putin to cease fire. Afterwards, he started talking about a peace treaty. However, as long as there is no real ceasefire, these are all moves in an unclear direction and attempts to save face."Separately, Vitaly Portnikov emphasized that, although Ukraine is not currently experiencing a political crisis, it has been in a state of governance crisis for the past six years."The crisis began the day Zelenskyy took office. It is a crisis of state governance, wherein institutions are failing to fulfill their functions. We cannot establish robust parliamentary, governmental, and presidential institutions. Without them, a country living under the threat of extinction will not survive," the journalist explained.He emphasized that the system should revert to the traditional European model, in which the government is accountable to Parliament rather than to Parliament rather than the President's office."If deputies believe that the most effective ministers are representatives of one party or another, that is their responsibility. That is how democracy works. It's not a model in which three or four managers make decisions in the President's office," Vitaly Portnikov summed up.The journalist emphasized that only restoring the state's institutional capacity will allow Ukraine to move forward with confidence amid constant threats to its existence.Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007. Its goal is to strengthen and develop Ukraine's authority in the world. The foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum every year. This leading international discussion platform focuses on issues of war and peace. The foundation also organizes the Youth Kyiv Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.<o:p></o:p>&nbsp;

In 1994, Ukrainian society did not demand security guarantees or pursue NATO membership. At that time, the presidential elections showed that Ukrainians were predominantly pro-Russia, and now we are seeing the consequences of that.

Vitaly Portnikov: Ukraine has lived without realizing its own security issues for 30 years – and now it is paying the price

Universities have always played educational, political, and innovative roles, shaping new national ideas. In the context of a full-scale war, the role of young people and technical universities is especially critical to the country's development.Kseniia Semenova, President of Kyiv Aviation University, discussed this topic at the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE"."The role of young people is so significant that states have always recognized its importance. Universities were a political tool and a source of new and national ideas," Kseniia Semenova said.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_2_9bc099f2b9.jpeg" alt="0x0 (2).jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_2_9bc099f2b9.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_2_9bc099f2b9.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_2_9bc099f2b9.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_2_9bc099f2b9.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">According to the President, her university is a center for the engineering and scientific community where renowned aircraft designers were trained and where aircraft manufacturing in Ukraine began. Currently, the university collaborates with defense companies and innovation centers to train specialists who can work on the entire technological cycle, from development to production and application."In a country experiencing a full-scale war for survival, the only normal role for a technical university is to train engineers for defense and the mass production of weapons. That is what we are doing," the President said.Among the problems facing Ukrainian universities, she cited limited resources and the material base, which are often inferior to those in Europe. "When it comes to laboratory resources, Polish universities are far superior to Ukrainian ones. However, when it comes to personnel, political will, and internal motivation, Ukraine has no peers," Ksenia Semenova summed up.Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007. Its goal is to strengthen and develop Ukraine's authority in the world. The foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum every year. This leading international discussion platform focuses on issues of war and peace. The foundation also organizes the Youth Kyiv Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.

Universities have always played educational, political, and innovative roles, shaping new national ideas. In the context of a full-scale war, the role of young people and technical universities is especially critical to the country's development.

Kseniia Semenova: Young people and technical universities are key to national defense and innovation 

An exhibition of Ukrainian MilTech developments took place during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE", organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation. During the event, Ukrainian manufacturers presented their developments, which help the military on the battlefield daily.&nbsp;Among other things, instructors from the KillHouse Academy of the Third Army Corps demoed military simulators for training FPV pilots. "People can try it out, and if interested, they can enroll in our course. Since the academy was founded in April 2024, we already have over three thousand graduates," said Anton, a representative of the Academy.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Whats_App_Image_2025_12_08_at_17_51_32_939b6eaf90.jpeg" alt="WhatsApp Image 2025-12-08 at 17.51.32.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_08_at_17_51_32_939b6eaf90.jpeg 235w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_08_at_17_51_32_939b6eaf90.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_08_at_17_51_32_939b6eaf90.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_08_at_17_51_32_939b6eaf90.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">SkyFall is one of Ukraine's largest military technology companies, producing VAMPIRE bomber drones, various models of Shrike FPVs, and P1-SUN interceptors of Shahed-type drones, which are successfully deployed on various sections of the frontline and demonstrate strong results in countering air threats.<o:p></o:p><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_f663eaa8d2.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_image_f663eaa8d2.png 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_image_f663eaa8d2.png 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_image_f663eaa8d2.png 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750" height="442" v:shapes="Рисунок_x0020_14" uploadprocessed="true"><o:p></o:p>The forum featured the VAMPIRE drone, the most effective multi-purpose strike drone bomber in its class, which is used by the Defense Forces across the frontline to destroy enemy equipment, fortifications, and manpower, as well as for remote mining and delivery of cargo to units in challenging locations. Overall, more than 2 million combat missions have been completed, and the damage to equipment and manpower is estimated at more than $4 billion. Because of the large-scale losses it causes and the panic it creates on the battlefield, the enemy calls the VAMPIRE 'Baba Yaga' (note: a witch-like terrifying old woman from Slavic folklore).A separate specialization of the company is the SkyFall Academy – a training center certified by the Ministry of Defense, which over the past two years has trained more than 12,000 pilots and technicians to operate the VAMPIRE, Shrike, and P1-SUN systems.Athlon Avia Scientific – Production Enterprise, which has been operating on the market for 11 years, has introduced the now-legendary UAS "Furia" which includes not only the reconnaissance aircraft but also a ground control station and an antenna complex.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_823aade04b.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_image_823aade04b.png 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_image_823aade04b.png 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_image_823aade04b.png 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750" height="442" v:shapes="Рисунок_x0020_13" uploadprocessed="true"><o:p></o:p>"Currently, the Furia is in service with more than 100 brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is represented in all branches of the military, as well as in other defense formations (National Guard, State Border Guard Service, Security Service of Ukraine, Main Intelligence Directorate)," noted Vadym Kruts, head of the research department at Athlon. According to him, Athlon Avia focuses on constant interaction with the brigades, round-the-clock technical support, maintenance services, and pilot training.&nbsp;"We repair our UAVs free of charge and, when necessary, in critical situations, replace the aircraft. We help recruits get their MOS-216 certification. In 2024–2025, more than 650 soldiers have gone through our program. In addition, this summer we launched a manufacturer-led recruiting campaign. We invite civilians to become Furia pilots and are able to guarantee them a placement in the brigade of their choice. We help them progress from recruit to obtaining MOS-216 and the position of pilot," Vadym noted.<o:p></o:p><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_f301064f15.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_image_f301064f15.png 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_image_f301064f15.png 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_image_f301064f15.png 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750" height="442" v:shapes="Рисунок_x0020_12" uploadprocessed="true"><o:p></o:p>Representatives of JET Company exhibited a 13-inch quadcopter, available in three versions: a radio-controlled "kamikaze," a fiber-optic "kamikaze," and a separate 10-inch LR (long-range) with a drop (conditionally a bomber).<o:p></o:p><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_04109d6849.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_image_04109d6849.png 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_image_04109d6849.png 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_image_04109d6849.png 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750" height="442" v:shapes="Рисунок_x0020_11" uploadprocessed="true"><o:p></o:p>A company developer described how a unique model was created at the request of the military for a specific product and later put into serial production."This year, in March, one of the units requested the development of a UAV capable of carrying up to 1 kg of payload over a distance of 35 km, even against headwinds, and with sufficient battery capacity to conduct reconnaissance or hover in place to strike distant logistics sites. We fulfilled this request and developed the JET 10-LR model, achieving characteristics that allow it to fly a full 40 km with a 1-kg payload in real combat conditions. It was from this specific request of one unit that one of our advanced models emerged," Vladyslav said. In turn, representatives of JET Company showcased a 13-inch quadcopter available in three versions: a radio-controlled "kamikaze," a fiber-optic "kamikaze," and a separate 10-inch LR (long-range) with a drop (conditionally a bomber).&nbsp;Arsen, a representative of JET Company, added: "We actively communicate with our operators; we take all feedback into account – what they want to see, what their current needs are. We try to produce the required solution as quickly as possible and hand it over for testing."At the MILTech exhibition, Air 3F showcased its VARKHAN ground-based robotic complex (GRC). The company describes this development as "a reliable ground robot capable of operating in extreme conditions and across various types of terrain." Thanks to its mobility, modern control systems, and modularity, it is effective in different types of missions: logistics, evacuation, ammunition delivery, and reconnaissance." GRC weight – 320 kg, speed – 20 km/h, peak load capacity – 370 kg, range – up to 40 km. The company also exhibited other developments: ground-based stations, drones, and related electronics.<o:p></o:p><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_cd9a2afbd8.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_image_cd9a2afbd8.png 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_image_cd9a2afbd8.png 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_image_cd9a2afbd8.png 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750" height="442" v:shapes="Рисунок_x0020_10" uploadprocessed="true"><o:p></o:p>Teletactica also presented its latest developments at the exhibition, showcasing modern defense and dual-use communication systems. During the event, the company emphasized its telemetry and digital communication modems, as well as antennas resistant to electronic warfare (EW) systems, which provide reliable and secure communication for UAVs and other unmanned platforms. According to company representatives, Teletactica’s solutions have proven effective in environments without GPS and under increased levels of radio interference.<o:p></o:p><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_d23c0eecd2.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_image_d23c0eecd2.png 235w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_image_d23c0eecd2.png 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_image_d23c0eecd2.png 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750" height="442" v:shapes="Рисунок_x0020_9" uploadprocessed="true"><o:p></o:p>Tactical medicine instructors from the Patronage Service "Angels" and representatives of the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) also took part in the exhibition.<o:p></o:p><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_9b3afb68d8.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_image_9b3afb68d8.png 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_image_9b3afb68d8.png 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_image_9b3afb68d8.png 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750" height="442" v:shapes="Рисунок_x0020_8" uploadprocessed="true"><o:p></o:p><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_1c1d5ff0ee.jpeg" alt="8.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_1c1d5ff0ee.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_1c1d5ff0ee.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_1c1d5ff0ee.jpeg 750w," sizes="100vw" width="750px">The Youth Kyiv Security Forum is an annual platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities that young Ukrainians are facing in the context of the ongoing war. This year's event highlights an important role of Ukrainian youth and their growing contribution to the country's defense, innovations, and recovery. The forum brought together 150 young leaders from all over Ukraine.<o:p></o:p>Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007. Its goal is to strengthen and develop Ukraine's authority in the world. The foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum every year. This leading international discussion platform focuses on issues of war and peace. The foundation also organizes the Youth Kyiv Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>More news from the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ksf.openukraine.org/en">here</a> Videos from the Forum – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@KyivSecurityForum">here</a> &nbsp;

An exhibition of Ukrainian MilTech developments took place during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE", organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation. During the event, Ukrainian manufacturers presented their developments, which help the military on the battlefield daily. 

GRCs and FPVs: VAMPIRE, JET, VARKHAN, FURIA. The latest developments from Ukrainian MilTech showcased at the Youth Kyiv Security Forum 

One of the most dangerous challenges of the war against Ukraine and all of Europe is corruption, which unites the interests of Washington and Moscow and undermines the idea of Western democracy. This was emphasised by the Director of the Kyiv Security Forum, diplomat Danylo Lubkivsky, in an interview with SlawaTV."The corruption we see in many Western countries, the corruption that shows the merging of interests of various transatlantic forces, from Washington to Moscow, this corruption undermines the very idea of American democracy, the idea of Western democracy. And this corruption is perhaps one of the most dangerous challenges of the war that is currently being waged against all of Europe and Ukraine," the Director of the KSF emphasised.He added that Ukraine is showing resilience, the ability to fight and, more importantly, to solve chronic problems that haven't been solved for a long time: ‘This is a healthy force that sets an example for all of Europe.’Lubkivsky believes that Ukraine is moving towards some form of resolution of the war, but the process could take a whole year. The key, he stressed, is to ensure conditions that do not harm Ukraine's strategic interests."We are moving towards a certain solution. Everything will depend on the details. This process may take some time, a long time, perhaps the entire next year. Today, it is important that the truce that will inevitably arise in this bloody war is based on conditions that do not harm the strategic interests of Ukraine, Europe and the entire free world [...] If Europe is capable of demonstrating leadership and providing security guarantees for Ukraine, this will be an adequate response to the challenges that are coming today not only from Russia but also, unfortunately, from America," the KSF Director emphasised.He outlined the geopolitical context in which the search for a solution is taking place. According to him, Europe is ‘surrounded’ and under the pressure of Russia and American allies, who have demonstrated their readiness for aggressive action. The Director of the KSF added that this concern has become the central theme of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meetings with European leaders."Europe is “surrounded”. And this is probably the main feature, the essence of what is being discussed in European capitals today. The European position is under attack, and not only from the Russian aggressor, but also from the American allies, who have demonstrated that they are ready for aggressive actions against Europe," he concluded.

One of the most dangerous challenges of the war against Ukraine and all of Europe is corruption, which unites the interests of Washington and Moscow and undermines the idea of Western democracy. This was emphasised by the Director of the Kyiv Security Forum, diplomat Danylo Lubkivsky, in an interview with SlawaTV.

Director of the KSF Lubkivsky: The convergence of interests between Washington and Moscow undermines Western democracy

Only Ukraine's victory guarantees Europe's long-term security; the opposite scenario would be disastrous for the entire continent. This was emphasised by the Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014-2016 Arseniy Yatsenyuk, during strategic consultations on the future of European defence organised by European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius in Brussels.<figure class="image"><img alt="WhatsApp Image 2025-12-10 at 17.29.37_0c1c10a0.jpg" src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_0c1c10a0_62c1f12225.jpg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_0c1c10a0_62c1f12225.jpg 223w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_0c1c10a0_62c1f12225.jpg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_0c1c10a0_62c1f12225.jpg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_0c1c10a0_62c1f12225.jpg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>The aim of the consultations, in their new format, is to facilitate the preparation of strategic decisions on strengthening the European Union's defence capabilities and defining the EU's new role in the global security system.During the meeting, key issues of the future defence development of the EU were discussed, in particular the further evolution of European institutions in the field of defence, the formation of a common defence market and the development of production, the future of transatlantic relations in the field of security and defence, the EU's cooperation with Ukraine in the field of defence and the formation of European policy towards Russia. During the consultations, specific proposals were presented for the development of a common European defence strategy with the participation of Ukraine.‘Ukraine must be an integral part of the European defence architecture. And we will continue to work together to make this happen, Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed, emphasising the defining role of Ukraine's support in deterring Russian aggression.‘We need not only material, institutional and political, but also intellectual defence readiness,’ stressed European Commissioner Kubilius. That is why, according to him, experienced politicians and diplomats were invited to the discussion on the future of European defence and the main challenges of creating a European Defence Union.<figure class="image"><img alt="WhatsApp Image 2025-12-10 at 17.29.37_384e90a1.jpg" src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_384e90a1_7c96175458.jpg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_384e90a1_7c96175458.jpg 245w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_384e90a1_7c96175458.jpg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_384e90a1_7c96175458.jpg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Whats_App_Image_2025_12_10_at_17_29_37_384e90a1_7c96175458.jpg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>The first session of this format was attended by, among others José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission in 2004-2014; Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister of Sweden and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden in 2006-2014; Mikuláš Dzurinda, Prime Minister of Slovakia (1998-2006); Natalia Gavrilita, Prime Minister of Moldova (2021-2023); Stavros Lambrinidis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece (2011) and EU Ambassador to the United States (2019–2023); Enrico Letta, Prime Minister of Italy (2013–2014); Ana Palacio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain (2002-2004); Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament (2007-2009); Klaus Welle, Secretary-General of the European Parliament (2009-2022).

Only Ukraine's victory guarantees Europe's long-term security; the opposite scenario would be disastrous for the entire continent. This was emphasised by the Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014-2016 Arseniy Yatsenyuk, during strategic consultations on the future of European defence organised by European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius in Brussels.