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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 

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  

The main reason Russia continues to commit crimes against Ukraine is the lack of real mechanisms for punishment at the international and national levels.Yuliia Chykolba, Country Director for Ukraine at the Centre for Information Resilience, stated this during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE".&nbsp;She emphasized that Ukrainians are demonstrating exceptional sacrifice and courage. However, the aggressor has committed horrific acts of cruelty during the war. "We see sexual violence during the war. We see 'human safaris' in Kherson – it's completely incomprehensible," Yuliia Chykolba said.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_2_933ea7ff13.jpeg" alt="0x0 (2).jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_2_933ea7ff13.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_2_933ea7ff13.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_2_933ea7ff13.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_2_933ea7ff13.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">Despite the significant efforts of the Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office to collect evidence and identify the perpetrators, most cases are investigated in absentia.&nbsp;Currently, the only effective punishment for war criminals is physical liquidation by the military and special services. However, according to Yuliia Chykolba, this is not a long-term solution."We need other mechanisms of punishment. The lack of accountability enables evil to persist. It enables Russians to continue committing crimes,” she 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 Youth Kyiv Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders. &nbsp;

The main reason Russia continues to commit crimes against Ukraine is the lack of real mechanisms for punishment at the international and national levels.
Yuliia Chykolba, Country Director for Ukraine at the Centre for Information Resilience, stated this during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE". 

Chykolba: While war exacerbates both heroism and evil, the main problem is the lack of accountability for Russia's crimes

Ukrainians have an inalienable right to determine their own future, and no external force can change that.Serhii “Volyna” Volynskyi, a Marine Corps veteran and Hero of Ukraine, discussed this during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE"."I am confident that the Ukrainian people will decide their own fate... They forgot to ask Ukrainians what they want and how they envision it. This nation will decide for itself anyway," he said.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_a326fe53ad.jpeg" alt="0x0.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_a326fe53ad.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_a326fe53ad.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_a326fe53ad.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_a326fe53ad.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">According to the veteran, this creates misunderstandings between Ukraine and some of its partners. "For us, 'pride' and 'honor' are not just words, but the principles that shape the dignity of every Ukrainian.""It's not that simple when it comes to Ukraine. It is a historically deep and powerful nation that must be reckoned with. First and foremost, we must listen to the people," Serhii Volynskyi said.He also noted that for the military and civilians facing the daily challenges of war, family is the main source of strength.&nbsp;"Family is our indicator of resilience. Today, the weight of bitter trials falls on the shoulders of defenders, civilians, rescuers, railway workers, and everyone who keeps the country running despite the terrible challenges of war.... Some individuals pay for this resilience with their health and lives," the hero of Ukraine 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. &nbsp;

Ukrainians have an inalienable right to determine their own future, and no external force can change that.
Serhii “Volyna” Volynskyi, a Marine Corps veteran and Hero of Ukraine, discussed this during the 11th Yorganizes Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE".

Serhii “Volyna” Volynskyi: Ukrainians will decide their own fate

Despite constant Russian air attacks on Kyiv, all municipal services must operate uninterrupted.Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klychko stated this during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE"."The weak are ignored. We must be strong. Strong within the country, strong on the line of demarcation, strong with our partners. The key task is not to break down, but rather to do everything in your power and authority to keep the city running and provide services," he said.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_11_fdf55b6dc5.jpg" alt="0x0 (11).jpg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_11_fdf55b6dc5.jpg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_11_fdf55b6dc5.jpg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_11_fdf55b6dc5.jpg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_11_fdf55b6dc5.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">The mayor of Kyiv recalled that enemy attacks on the capital resulted in the deaths of more than 300 civilians and the destruction of about 2,000 houses.Klychko also noted that during the war, while Ukraine is fighting for its independence, "there can be no talk of elections"."It's frustrating that some politicians are discussing and preparing for possible elections. I ask: Are you preparing for State Duma elections?" he said.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>

Despite constant Russian air attacks on Kyiv, all municipal services must operate uninterrupted.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klychko stated this during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE".

Kyiv Mayor Klychko: The weak are ignored. We must be strong

Ukrainian youth are increasingly choosing to stay in Ukraine and contribute to its reconstruction rather than leaving the country. Tymofii Brik, Rector of the Kyiv School of Economics, discussed this during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE"."Before the invasion, about 50% of our graduates wanted to go abroad. It was part of our brand to study in English and move on. Now, everything has changed completely. Most of our graduates, both men and women, want to stay in Ukraine,” he said.According to the Rector, this transformation is affecting educational programs as well. There is growing interest in practical specialties, particularly engineering. "Our engineering program has taken off, and we have opened a master's program in engineering for the first time because people want to do important work," he said.<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0x0_12_1fa6f2019a.jpg" alt="0x0 (12).jpg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0x0_12_1fa6f2019a.jpg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0x0_12_1fa6f2019a.jpg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0x0_12_1fa6f2019a.jpg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0x0_12_1fa6f2019a.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">Tymofii Brik describes the current generation as strong and demanding, with a global mindset and high English proficiency. At the same time, he acknowledges that young people still have a lot to learn. "They need to learn teamwork, discipline, and how to think several steps ahead. You can't get very far on values alone.”When asked about the prospects of young people returning from abroad, the KSE Rector emphasized that he relies on sociological data. "Surveys show that 25-30% may return. I believe these figures,” he 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.&nbsp;

Ukrainian youth are increasingly choosing to stay in Ukraine and contribute to its reconstruction rather than leaving the country. Tymofii Brik, Rector of the Kyiv School of Economics, discussed this during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE".

KSE Rector Brick: Young people want to stay in Ukraine and work for its future 

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.