The full-scale war has fundamentally reshaped the approach to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration: today, it is no longer a movement “towards the West,” but a mutual exchange of experience. This was stated by Lesia Ohryzko, Head of the Reforms Support Office at the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and Founder and Director of the Sahaidachnyi Security Centre, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

According to Ohryzko, the previous paradigm assumed the existence of a “correct” Western model to which Ukraine had to adapt. The war, however, has exposed a different reality.

“It is no longer a one-way process. Ukraine is not merely adopting experience, but is forging its own viable model. We see that some of our approaches can be beneficial for our partners as well,” Ohryzko emphasised.She highlighted Ukraine’s ability to bridge diverse approaches – flexible horizontal networks with clear vertical structures – allowing for rapid and effective responses to wartime challenges.

The expert outlined three key lessons that are already reshaping security approaches in NATO member states. First, the return of scale as a decisive factor in warfare. “For decades, the focus has been on  costly, high-tech solutions. However, this war has proven that mass remains critical. It requires vast resources, trained personnel, and the ability to operate at scale,” she said.

Second, speed and adaptability. According to Ohryzko, this has become one of Ukraine's decisive advantages.”
“Those who adapt faster have a better chance of survival. Ukraine demonstrates remarkably rapid implementation of innovations, continuous updates to equipment and solutions, and flexible procurement. This impresses our partners and serves as an example worth learning from,” she noted. 

Third, the role of the entire society in the war. Ohryzko emphasised that victory depends on more than just the military. “Victory is not achieved solely on the battlefield. It depends on energy, the economy, and local governance. Ukraine has demonstrated a unique model of state-society interaction, and this experience is well worth studying,” she highlighted.

However, the expert warned that the main challenge for Ukraine’s partners lies not in recognising these lessons, but in integrating them quickly into their own systems. The speed of adaptation and readiness for change will determine the future effectiveness of European security policy.

“Open Ukraine” is an international foundation established in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk to strengthen Ukraine’s international standing. Each year, it organises the Kyiv Security Forum – Ukraine’s leading international platform for discussing war and peace – as well as the Youth Kyiv Security Forum, aimed at fostering a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.