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Throughout the war, Ukrainians have demonstrated their ability to gain local and temporary advantages by using drones. This has enabled them to achieve tactical and operational objectives. &nbsp;Major General Constantin-Adrian Ciolponea, a representative of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”"During the war, Ukrainians brilliantly demonstrated that they can use drones to gain local and temporary advantages. What does this mean? It means that you can stand up to a larger adversary with more resources and a larger army. Creating this local, temporary advantage allows you to achieve tactical and operational objectives,” said Ciolponea.He called this a very interesting lesson and noted the importance of studying Ukrainian combat experience. In particular, Ciolponea highlighted the work of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Center (JATEC) in Poland, which "integrates combat experience from different domains into NATO.""Our group is proposing the most effective procedures, requirements, and steps to help Ukrainians modernize their armed forces for different echelons," explained the NATO representative.As Ciolponea noted, JATEC is developing innovation initiatives and joint capabilities between Western countries and Ukraine, particularly for testing and countering drones in different environments.According to his projections, the broad integration of robotics will occur soon.&nbsp;“...we will face a wave of robots in about five to ten years. I suspect the initial wave will be fully autonomous, and robotics will be integrated into the force structure, mixed between unmanned and manned systems,” added Ciolponea.Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007 to strengthen 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;

Throughout the war, Ukrainians have demonstrated their ability to gain local and temporary advantages by using drones. This has enabled them to achieve tactical and operational objectives.  

Ukrainians are capable of gaining local and temporary advantages through the use of drones - NATO Command representative 

In recent years, Ukraine has transformed from a recipient of security assistance into its provider, and the partnership with the country is mutually beneficial for both sides. This was stated by Florian Hahn, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, themed “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“Over the past four years, Ukraine has transformed from a security recipient into a security provider. Our strategic partnership is undeniably a win-win for both sides,” he said.Hahn pointed out that one of the outcomes of recent intergovernmental consultations between Germany and Ukraine was the deepening of cooperation, particularly in the field of drones. “Various drones of Ukrainian design will be produced both in Ukraine and in Germany, enabling Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression. In the long term, this could also contribute to the defense capabilities of the German Armed Forces and our close partners,” he noted.The Minister of State emphasized that Germany and its partners “can clearly benefit from Ukraine’s expertise, innovation, and defense capabilities in this era and learn from Ukraine as a key partner”.He specifically drew attention to the changing nature of armed conflicts. “Modern conflicts are no longer fought solely on the battlefield,” Hahn noted, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity, the fight against disinformation, and the resilience of societies.According to Hahn, Russia’s war against Ukraine remains “the most significant and direct threat to the security of Ukraine, Germany, and Europe.” He emphasized that Berlin maintains its unwavering support for Kyiv in both the short and long term.“Our support is not just in words,” he noted, adding that since 2022, Germany has provided and committed to providing €55 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including €11.5 billion this year, as well as €39 billion in civilian assistance.He also emphasized the need for further strengthening of international support. “We call on all partners to step up their efforts in this direction and will continuously explore opportunities for further support,” said the German Minister of State.Hahn emphasized that a just peace is only possible under the condition of respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Peace must be based on the core principles of the UN Charter and cannot reward aggression,” he said.The Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine’s European integration course. “Ukraine’s future is in the European Union,” Hahn stated, adding that reforms within the EU accession process are key to the country’s recovery.“If we remain united and determined, the answer to our question will be obvious. The light ahead is not just a possibility, it is within reach,” he concluded.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 upon the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation. This year, it is taking place on April 23-24.

In recent years, Ukraine has transformed from a recipient of security assistance into its provider, and the partnership with the country is mutually beneficial for both sides. This was stated by Florian Hahn, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, themed “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

Ukraine has transformed from a recipient of aid into a provider of security - Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office

The relationship between NATO and Ukraine is increasingly taking on the character of a partnership of equals, where allies not only support Kyiv but also directly learn from the Ukrainian experience of war. This was stated by Patrick Turner, NATO Senior Representative to Ukraine, during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, themed “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“This is increasingly a relationship of equals. Allies understand how important it is to learn from Ukraine just as much as it is to support Ukraine,” he emphasized.According to Turner, NATO’s relationship with Ukraine simultaneously encompasses both support in the current war and the building of long-term defense and deterrence capabilities for Ukraine and Europe.He emphasized that the Alliance and Ukraine share uniquely close political and military ties, reflecting the importance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their role in Euro-Atlantic security.“In its history, NATO has never had such a large-scale, vital, and profound partnership,” the Alliance representative stated.Turner reported that NATO’s key priorities explicitly include issues related to Ukraine: increasing defense spending, ramping up defense production, and large-scale, long-term support for Ukraine. “These are urgent priorities, but they are also long-term priorities,” he said, adding that progress will be assessed this July at the NATO Summit in Ankara.According to him, this year Ukraine has requested $60 billion in support from its partners, with nearly two-thirds of that amount already pledged by allies.He specifically mentioned the continuation of the PURL initiative, which provides for the supply of key American weaponry to Ukraine, as well as the work of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) command.Turner emphasized that support must meet Ukraine’s urgent needs, particularly in the areas of air defense, drone and missile production, and long-range munitions. He also stressed that this is not only about current needs but also about building Ukraine’s long-term capabilities.“Our support should also be directed toward building sustainable capabilities for Ukraine for the future,” he noted.Turner also recalled that a “Roadmap for Interoperability” has already been agreed upon between NATO and Ukraine, which defines short- and long-term goals for the development of defense capabilities.He also emphasized that large-scale support for Ukraine will remain necessary regardless of the developments on the front line or a potential ceasefire.“It is absolutely clear that large-scale support will be needed in the long term, regardless of whether there is a ceasefire or peace. The Russian threat will not disappear,” Turner emphasized.“Open Ukraine” is an international foundation established in 2007 upon the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk to strengthen Ukraine’s standing in the world. Each year, the Foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum, which has become Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace, as well as the Youth Kyiv Security Forum, dedicated to developing a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.

The relationship between NATO and Ukraine is increasingly taking on the character of a partnership of equals, where allies not only support Kyiv but also directly learn from the Ukrainian experience of war. This was stated by Patrick Turner, NATO Senior Representative to Ukraine, during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, themed “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

A relationship of equals: NATO is learning from Ukraine while simultaneously increasing support for Kyiv - Patrick Turner

Nicolas Tenzer, President of the Centre for Studies and Research on Political Decisions (France), held a book signing for “Our War. Crime and Oblivion: The Need for Strategic Thinking” (published by “Dukh i Litera”) during his visit to Ukraine to participate in the 18th Kyiv Security Forum (KSF).Tenzer explained that he had embedded many vital messages within his work.&nbsp;“The first message is that we must always speak about war crimes, crimes against humanity, the crime of genocide, and the crime of aggression committed by the Russians. Because Europe, in essence, is based on the legacy of the Nuremberg trials. Yet Putin is again committing crimes in Ukraine, just as he did in Georgia and Chechnya,” the French political analyst said. Through his book, Tenzer also aims to emphasize that Ukraine will defeat Russian aggression. “This is also a book about victory,” he added.The publication is a translation from French. Tenzer expects that translations into English, Polish, and other languages will be released soon.“The book was a great success in France. Thousands of people have read it. It was also quoted by President Emmanuel Macron. So, it does indeed have a certain influence,” the author emphasized.Kostiantyn Sihov, Director of the Center for European Humanities Research at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the “Dukh i Litera” research and publishing association, as well as Editor-in-Chief of the “Dukh i Litera” journal, thanked the “Open Ukraine” Foundation and the KSF for supporting the publication of the book.“The Forum is truly a space where all languages and all key ideas resonate. Personally, Arseniy Yatsenyuk is a long-standing interlocutor and colleague of Nicolas Tenzer. This also applies to Danylo Lubkivsky and all the KSF organizers. Furthermore, the institution that joined the publication effort is the Robert Schuman Foundation, which unites the efforts of Brussels and Paris,” he emphasized.Sihov specifically noted that the book’s author visits Ukraine constantly and actively supports the Ukrainian people.“As soon as I saw this book in French and the resonance it had throughout the Francophone world, I immediately realized that it had to be published in Ukraine. I made an instantaneous decision and signed a contract with the publishing house in France, where the book has already gone through several reprints,” Sihov said.In his opinion, for Ukraine, this is the most important work of political philosophy from the Western world.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event, established in 2007 upon the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation. This year, it is taking place on April 23-24.

Nicolas Tenzer, President of the Centre for Studies and Research on Political Decisions (France), held a book signing for “Our War. Crime and Oblivion: The Need for Strategic Thinking” (published by “Dukh i Litera”) during his visit to Ukraine to participate in the 18th Kyiv Security Forum (KSF).

The book signing for Nicolas Tenzer’s “Our War. Crime and Oblivion: The Need for Strategic Thinking” took place on the sidelines of the 18th KSF

<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG" alt="YURI5369.JPG" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">The active deployment of unmanned systems in defence, in all their forms and variations, does not reduce the need for military personnel involved in their operation. This was stated by Major Illia “Gandalf” Samoilenko, Intelligence Officer of the 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”The use of unmanned systems in all their forms and variations does not reduce the requirement for personnel. Instead, it increases the number of people needed in the military. Launching a single drone requires four people. Operating one UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) requires ten people. For larger long-range or medium-range strike drones, dozens of personnel are needed for each system,” Samoilenko stated.The Azov Officer emphasised that it is impossible to retake and liberate our territory using only UGVs or drones. Samoilenko also commented on the readiness of European armies to face potential threats.“In fact, European armies have forgotten how to fight. They need a cold shower,” he said.Samoilenko added that “in reality, the formidable power of NATO belongs to the Cold War era.”Remarkably, these methods still work. However, Europe lacks the resources to fully sustain them is therefore forced to improvise. Decades of European demilitarisation have placed Europe at a significant disadvantage,” the serviceman noted. Samoilenko expressed the view that Ukrainians now have a clearer understanding of the limitations of European military expertise in the context of the current war.Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation. This year’s Forum is taking place on 23-24 April.

The active deployment of unmanned systems in defence, in all their forms and variations, does not reduce the need for military personnel involved in their operation. This was stated by Major Illia “Gandalf” Samoilenko, Intelligence Officer of the 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

“Unmanned systems increase the need for personnel rather than reducing it” – Azov Officer

The fight against corruption in Ukraine is improving: anti-corruption agencies are independent, have the necessary capabilities, and are demonstrating excellent results. Allan Pagh Kristensen, the Head of the European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine, made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”"Indeed, many European capitals were concerned about what happened last July, when the independence of NABU and SAPO was undermined. But confidence is coming back," he said.Kristensen noted that challenges to the independence of anti-corruption agencies were also serious for the European community. "What we saw on the streets of Kyiv and other cities demonstrated the importance of civil society and independent media in Ukraine," he added."We are watching how the fight against corruption in Ukraine is progressing. Now, you have independent agencies in Ukraine that have the necessary capabilities and are demonstrating excellent results in the fight against corruption," Kristensen emphasized.According to him, anti-corruption agencies are performing better and better. "This is an operation to cleanse the country of corruption. Ukraine is shedding the burden of the past," said the Head of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine. “Those of us working to build Ukraine’s capacity recognize that we must continue supporting anti-corruption agencies to help them become more stable and prevent crises,” Kristensen said.He concluded, "We realize there's still much work to be done, so we're allocating additional funds and helping our partners better understand the situation."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.

The fight against corruption in Ukraine is improving: anti-corruption agencies are independent, have the necessary capabilities, and are demonstrating excellent results. Allan Pagh Kristensen, the Head of the European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine, made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

Anti-corruption agencies are performing better and better, but there is still much work to be done – Head of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine 

<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_T5_A2310_5f0640bc56.jpeg" alt="8T5A2310.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_T5_A2310_5f0640bc56.jpeg 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_T5_A2310_5f0640bc56.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_T5_A2310_5f0640bc56.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_8_T5_A2310_5f0640bc56.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">Today, Ukrainian communities play a key role in ensuring the state's resilience during the war. Following the decentralisation reform, they have evolved from administrative units into integral elements of national security. This was stated by Oleksandr Kodola, Mayor of Nizhyn, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“Today, a community is not just a social or economic unit – it is an element of national security. In the early days of the invasion, we had no time to wait for decisions from above and acted swiftly. At the local level, we ensured security, water, heating, logistics, and, essentially, the defence of our own territories,” Kodola noted.He emphasised that this capacity for rapid decision-making was made possible by decentralisation.The Mayor added that for border regions, particularly the Chernihiv region that borders Russia and Belarus, the role of local self-government has become critical.Kodola also outlined key risks that could weaken the capacity of communities in the future. First, the threat of rolling back decentralisation. “If communities lose their financial autonomy and powers, they lose speed and flexibility. In wartime conditions, this is critical. Local autonomy itself is a form of systemic resilience,” he remarked.Second, the depletion of human resources due to the war. “Border regions are losing people who move abroad or relocate to safer areas. We are losing human capital, and its preservation has become one of our primary tasks,” the Mayor noted.Third, financial constraints. According to Kodola, communities have lost a significant portion of their revenue after changes in budget policy.“Our city has lost approximately 40% of its revenue. Previously, we could support the Armed Forces systematically; now, we can barely cover basic needs,” he explained.Despite these challenges, communities continue to function, in part thanks to the support of international partners. Today, it is at the community level that the state’s ability to function and endure is determined. How we face upcoming challenges, particularly the winter, hinges on our capacity, “ Oleksandr Kodola concluded.“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.

Today, Ukrainian communities play a key role in ensuring the state's resilience during the war. Following the decentralisation reform, they have evolved from administrative units into integral elements of national security. This was stated by Oleksandr Kodola, Mayor of Nizhyn, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

“Communities have become an element of national security” – Oleksandr Kodola, Mayor of Nizhyn

Restoring power supply after attacks remains the primary task for energy companies in Ukraine. Under wartime conditions, the speed of electricity restoration is critical to the country’s stability.This was stated by Serhiy Kovalenko, CEO of YASNO, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“To be frank, restoration always comes first. If something happens, the immediate priority is to restore power supply. The work of our engineers is entirely focused on this goal,” Kovalenko said.He also emphasised that protecting energy infrastructure is equally vital, though achieving complete security is impossible. “No defence can offer a 100% guarantee, therefore, restoration is required after every attack. For consumers, this means disruptions, but we do our best to minimise the duration of power cuts,” he noted.Kovalenko highlighted that the full-scale war has significantly accelerated the transformation of Ukraine’s energy sector. “The war has effectively fast-tracked the development of the energy market. Innovations are being implemented so rapidly that it is sometimes difficult even to keep pace with these changes,” the YASNO CEO said.According to him, simply restoring destroyed facilities is no longer sufficient – &nbsp;it is essential to modernise the system in parallel. “We cannot merely rebuild what existed before. Some facilities have been completely destroyed, and without investing in new solutions, the system will not hold,” Kovalenko emphasised.He outlined several key investment priorities – restoring and strengthening networks, expanding generation capacity, and implementing new technologies.“A particularly important area is energy storage systems—large-scale batteries. Another is the digitalisation of all processes,” he noted.Kovalenko stressed that energy investments are long-term, with planning horizons extending many years ahead. According to him, the DTEK Group has already invested tens of billions of hryvnias into the sector, and it is gaining momentum.“We are planning for a five-to-ten-year horizon. With over 100 billion hryvnias already invested during the war, our commitment continues to grow,” he concluded.“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. <o:p></o:p>

Restoring power supply after attacks remains the primary task for energy companies in Ukraine. Under wartime conditions, the speed of electricity restoration is critical to the country’s stability.

“Energy restoration is our absolute priority” – YASNO CEO

Improving the effectiveness of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) depends on political decisions in Ukraine and the presence of political will. HACC Judge Vira Mykhailenko stated this during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?” "In our country, very few people truly want us (HACC judges) to work effectively," she noted.Unlike the situation with NABU and SAPO, she emphasized that strengthening the HACC’s capabilities, though stipulated in Ukraine’s international obligations, does not require any legislative changes. "All issues regarding the strengthening of the High Anti-Corruption Court’s capacity fall under the realm of political decision-making and the presence of political will," the HACC judge emphasized."The only difference between us and the pre-trial investigation body (NABU) is that no one is trying to influence the court yet," Mykhailenko added.When asked about allocating office space for HACC judges, the judge noted that the issue remains highly relevant. Mykhailenko pointed out that the judges appointed following the new competition will not have an office to administer justice.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.

Improving the effectiveness of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) depends on political decisions in Ukraine and the presence of political will. HACC Judge Vira Mykhailenko stated this during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

Strengthening the High Anti-Corruption Court’s capabilities depends on political will, not legislative changes – Judge Mykhailenko 

The restoration of Ukrainian communities after the war presents a unique opportunity not only to rebuild what has been destroyed but to leap forward technologically by implementing advanced solutions and modern resilience standards.This was stated by Daniel Stander, Deputy Chair of the Resilient Cities Network, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“We see a tremendous opportunity for Ukrainian cities to leap forward. There is a chance to emerge even stronger by applying the build back better principle,” he stated. Stander emphasised that the concept of resilience for Ukrainian cities must be holistic, encompassing not only the capacity to withstand military threats, but also preparedness for economic shocks, pandemics, and climate challenges.Achieving this, he noted, requires the institutionalisation of the resilience function within municipalities — ranging from energy independence strategies to waste management and healthcare systems.The Deputy Chair of the Resilient Cities Network also highlighted the acute labour shortage within Ukrainian communities, driven by the war and migration. The loss of life among those defending the country, as well as internal and external displacement, placed significant strain on human capital. One way to bridge this gap is through partnerships with cities in other countries that have the relevant expertise and resources,” Stander noted. He added that such an exchange of expertise would enable Ukrainian cities to develop not merely stand-alone initiatives, but comprehensive investment portfolios capable of generating a long-term “resilience dividend.”“Resilience is not an abstract concept – it is a way of life and a model of governance at the local level. My observations in Ukraine in recent years confirm that both large and small cities have immense potential to realise these opportunities through international partnerships,” the Resilient Cities Network representative concluded.Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.&nbsp;

The restoration of Ukrainian communities after the war presents a unique opportunity not only to rebuild what has been destroyed but to leap forward technologically by implementing advanced solutions and modern resilience standards.