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As early as 2008, the civilized world responded insufficiently to Russia’s invasion of Georgia. Dr. Evelyn Farkas, the Executive Director of the McCain Institute, made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”&nbsp;"In 2008, Putin invaded Georgia, and we did not do enough to stop him. Putin received the wrong signal, and we blamed the victim," she said. &nbsp;She added that, subsequently, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Ukraine was similarly blamed for becoming a victim of Russia."The reason for this reaction is that we didn't understand what Putin was doing in Georgia. We didn't fully grasp the threat Russia poses," Farkas noted.This lack of understanding persisted until recently. "Now our eyes have finally been opened," added the Executive Director of the McCain Institute.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.

We did not fully grasp the threat posed by Russia – Executive Director of the McCain Institute

<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Chaliy_jpg_9b3a6df5e5.jpeg" alt="Chaliy.jpg.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Chaliy_jpg_9b3a6df5e5.jpeg 245w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Chaliy_jpg_9b3a6df5e5.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Chaliy_jpg_9b3a6df5e5.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Chaliy_jpg_9b3a6df5e5.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure>Changes in leadership and government in Ukraine and the US will not affect the good relations between the two nations, nor this friendship, which is based on shared strategic interests.This was stated by Valeriy Chaly, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the US in 2015–2019, during a special discussion organised by the Kyiv Security Forum, which brought together Ukrainian and American diplomats to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.‘We will have many presidents – both men and women – in the United States and in Ukraine; the composition of our leadership will vary, and there will be many different speakers of parliament and prime ministers – but we will never be able to change the good relations between our peoples. The American people support Ukraine. And your ambassadors have made an enormous contribution to the development of this friendship at every stage. Our relations are built on a very solid foundation of strategic interests,” he said.The diplomat described trust as a key component of these relations.“Maintain trust, nurture trust and strengthen trust. Because without trust, a relationship with the United States is impossible. The American people may forgive you for certain mistakes, but they will never forgive a loss of trust between leaders and nations,” he emphasised.Valeriy Chaly also noted that Ukraine is counting on the US to maintain its leadership.“I believe that for a very long time to come, the United States will retain its leadership in military and economic fields. So we are counting on you, on your leadership, and will continue to do so… I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your national holiday. And also to congratulate us all on our shared journey – one that is not easy, one that is difficult, but one that is very successful,” the diplomat remarked.The discussion took place as part of the new project ‘Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike’ – a series of expert discussions on current events and key trends in the fields of security, the economy and Ukraine’s foreign policy. The project aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the most important challenges shaping the country’s future.Participants in the discussion included Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014–2016; Danylo Lubkivsky, member of the Kyiv Security Forum’s Security Council and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in 2014; John Herbst, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2003–2006); Marie Yovanovitch, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2016–2019); Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian Ambassador to the US (2021–2025); Jeffrey Payette, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2013–2016); Steven Pifer, US Ambassador to Ukraine (1998–2000); Valeriy Chaly, Ukrainian Ambassador to the US (2015–2019).A video recording of the discussion is available <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F95zJIwSIHM">in Ukrainian</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZptX5q0l010">in English</a>.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international platform for discussion on issues of war and peace. The KSF’s events bring together prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists and journalists. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine at the forefront of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on pressing security issues.

Changes in leadership and government in Ukraine and the US will not affect the good relations between the two nations, nor this friendship, which is based on shared strategic interests. This was stated by Valeriy Chaly, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the US in 2015–2019, during a special discussion organised by the Kyiv Security Forum, which brought together Ukrainian and American diplomats to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.

‘Good relations between the Ukrainian and American peoples are enduring,’ – Valeriy Chaly at the KSF discussion marking the 250th anniversary of the United States

<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Yovanovych_jpg_364211e81d.jpeg" alt="Yovanovych.jpg.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Yovanovych_jpg_364211e81d.jpeg 245w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Yovanovych_jpg_364211e81d.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Yovanovych_jpg_364211e81d.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Yovanovych_jpg_364211e81d.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure>Supporting Ukraine in its aspiration to be a peaceful, prosperous country and a member of the EU is in the interests of the US.Marie Yovanovitch, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2016–2019), made this point during a special discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum, which brought together Ukrainian and American diplomats to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.“Over the past 30 years – following two revolutions, during a protracted war with Russia, and after numerous elections – Ukrainians continue to say that they envisage a future in which Ukraine is peaceful, prosperous and a member of the EU. And I believe that this is precisely what we will see. And I believe that US support for this is entirely in our interests. We aspire to a strong, prosperous, free Ukraine that serves as a pillar of Europe,” she said.She emphasised: “The interests of the US and those of Ukraine do not always coincide, but for the most part they are aligned.”“They may not be identical, but they largely coincide when it comes to the economy, security, political issues, democracy and freedom. On all these issues, our positions coincide,” explained Marie Yovanovitch.The diplomat emphasised that Ukraine is currently “the US’s strongest partner in the field of security”.“Ukraine is also a partner that has always shared our values. And in this respect, Ukraine is undoubtedly a leading partner. So, I see our long-term interests regarding Ukraine precisely in supporting its own aspirations, which in fact reflect our own – not only for our own sake, but also for Ukraine’s standing in the world,” she concluded.The discussion took place as part of the new project ‘Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike’ – a series of expert discussions on pressing issues and key trends in Ukraine’s security, economy and foreign policy. The project aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the most significant challenges shaping the country’s future.Participants in the discussion included Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014–2016; Danylo Lubkivsky, member of the Kyiv Security Forum’s Security Council and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in 2014; John Herbst, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2003–2006); Marie Yovanovitch, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2016–2019); Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the US (2021–2025); Jeffrey Payette, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2013–2016); Steven Pifer, US Ambassador to Ukraine (1998–2000); Valeriy Chaly, Ukrainian Ambassador to the US (2015–2019).A video recording of the discussion can be viewed <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F95zJIwSIHM">in Ukrainian</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZptX5q0l010">in English</a>.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace. The KSF’s events bring together prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists and journalists. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine at the forefront of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on pressing security issues.

Supporting Ukraine in its aspiration to be a peaceful, prosperous country and a member of the EU is in the interests of the US. Marie Yovanovitch, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2016–2019), made this point during a special discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum, which brought together Ukrainian and American diplomats to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.

‘The US is committed to a strong, prosperous and free Ukraine that serves as a pillar of Europe,’ – Ambassador Yovanovitch at the KSF discussion marking the 250th anniversary of the United States

<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0707_web_en_jpg_2f0cf5cfff.jpeg" alt="0707_web_en.jpg.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_0707_web_en_jpg_2f0cf5cfff.jpeg 237w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_0707_web_en_jpg_2f0cf5cfff.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_0707_web_en_jpg_2f0cf5cfff.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_0707_web_en_jpg_2f0cf5cfff.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">The NATO summit in Ankara was one of the key events of the year for Euro-Atlantic security. Amid Russia's war against Ukraine, the Alliance's member states had to address not only the issue of bolstering their own defences, but also determine the future format of support for Ukraine.What do the summit’s decisions mean for NATO’s future? Is transatlantic unity holding firm? How is Ukraine’s role in the West’s security strategy changing? These issues will be discussed by participants in a special online discussion organised by the Kyiv Security Forum, entitled ‘NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges, and the Way Forward’.The key topic of discussion is the new strategic reality, in which Russia’s war against Ukraine poses a challenge to the entire Euro-Atlantic security system.Participants of the discussion:<ul><li>Arseniy YATSENYUK, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014–2016);</li><li>Danylo LUBKIVSKY, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine (2014), Member of the Security Council, Kyiv Security Forum;</li><li>Tanya HARTMAN, Head, Policy East Team, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO HQ;</li><li>Ambassador William TAYLOR, Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2006–2009; 2019–2020);</li><li>Ambassador Kurt VOLKER, US Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations (2017–2019);</li><li>Marcin BUŻANSKI, Director of the European Office of the Kyiv Security Forum (Brussels).</li></ul>The discussion will be moderated by Mark LOBEL, a journalist and BBC presenter.The discussion topics include:<ul><li>what political signals were sent by the NATO summit in Ankara;</li><li>how the summit’s decisions will affect future support for Ukraine;</li><li>whether the allies are prepared for a long-term strengthening of European defence. &nbsp;</li></ul>The Kyiv Security Forum’s special discussions are taking place as part of a new project – ‘Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike’. This is a series of expert discussions on current events and key trends in the fields of security, the economy and Ukraine’s foreign policy. The project aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the most significant challenges shaping the country’s future.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace. Prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists and journalists take part in KSF events. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine at the forefront of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on current security issues.

What do the summit’s decisions mean for NATO’s future? Is transatlantic unity holding firm? How is Ukraine’s role in the West’s security strategy changing? These issues will be discussed by participants in a special online discussion organised by the Kyiv Security Forum, entitled ‘NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges, and the Way Forward’.

What do the NATO summit decisions mean? The Kyiv Security Forum will host a special discussion

<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/5_jpg_1723810007.jpeg" alt="5.jpg.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_5_jpg_1723810007.jpeg 245w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_5_jpg_1723810007.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_5_jpg_1723810007.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_5_jpg_1723810007.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure>The United States of America, which maintains its global leadership, cannot merely act as a mediator in the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine.Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014–2016, made this statement during a special KSF discussion involving Ukrainian and American diplomats marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.“The United States has always been a pillar of global security. Ukraine has become a pillar of European security. The United States is the leader of the free world, and a leader cannot remain neutral. A leader cannot merely act as a mediator in an aggressive war. A leader must defend the victim. And this victim is a strong one. And it will prevail. That is Ukraine,” he noted.Arseniy Yatsenyuk emphasized that U.S. support is a key condition for victory.“We can win this war with the support of the United States. It is an absolute necessity that the U.S. stand with us. And we have the support of the American people,” said the KSF Chairman.He also noted that about 70% of Americans support Ukraine and addressed the diplomats present at the meeting: “I sincerely ask you to speak out about this and to do what you do so brilliantly: tell the truth about Ukraine, convince the American public that it is in the interest of U.S. national security to provide Ukraine with a new security assistance package in the form oflend-lease or a loan, to increase pressure on Russia, to impose new sanctions and strengthen existing ones, to grant licenses for the production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine, to expand military-technical and defense cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine, to stand shoulder to shoulder with the EU and Ukraine, and to find a way to convince China and India to take the right side of history.”Speaking about the current security situation in Ukraine, Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted that the aggressor shows no intention of returning to the negotiating table.“You know very well that Putin is not ready to back down. He is not ready for any peace talks. He has no intention of yielding. But we have the strength and power to force him to yield, to increase the pressure on him, and to win the war,” the politician concluded.The discussion took place as part of the new project “Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike”—a series of expert discussions on pressing issues and key trends in Ukraine’s security, economy, and foreign policy. The project aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the most critical challenges shaping the country’s future.Participants in the discussion included Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014–2016; Danylo Lubkivsky, member of the Kyiv Security Forum’s Security Council and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in 2014; John Herbst, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2003–2006); Marie Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2016–2019); Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States (2021–2025); Jeffrey Payette, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2013–2016); Steven Pifer, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (1998–2000); Valeriy Chaly, Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. (2015–2019).A video recording of the discussion is available in Ukrainian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F95zJIwSIHM">here</a> and in English <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZptX5q0l010">here</a>.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace. Prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists, and journalists participate in KSF events. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine in the spotlight of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on pressing security issues.

The United States of America, which maintains its global leadership, cannot merely act as a mediator in the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine. Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014–2016, made this statement during a special KSF discussion involving Ukrainian and American diplomats marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

The United States has always been a pillar of global security. Ukraine has become a pillar of European security, — Arseniy Yatsenyuk at a Kyiv Security Forum discussion marking the 250th anniversary of the United States

The future of the Alliance itself and the new global security architecture depend on whether NATO helps Ukraine win the war. This was emphasized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2014 to 2016, during an interview on Times Radio, as he commented on expectations for the NATO summit, which began a few days ago in Ankara.<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="100%" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eRFpUtV-AhU?si=-j6fTjcUZFdl3VWP" 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>“If NATO helps Ukraine win the war, it will completely reshape the global security architecture. It will give NATO the courage to demonstrate its strength and show that it is a true defensive alliance,” he said.Responding to a question about the latest Russian ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, Arseniy Yatsenyuk emphasized the critical shortage of air defense capabilities. “During the latest missile attack, Ukraine was unable to shoot down a single ballistic missile. The reason is quite obvious – we simply ran out of interceptors and Patriot missiles. And we have no choice but to ask our partners for support to provide Ukraine with air defense systems and missiles to protect residential areas. Putin, a war criminal, is deliberately targeting residential areas,” the KSF Chairman emphasized.Arseniy Yatsenyuk identified the production of air defense systems as a key priority. “We are asking the Americans to grant licenses to manufacture RAS-3 missiles [for the Patriot system] in Ukraine. Both the Germans and the Japanese are capable of producing these missiles. And following the war with Iran, there is a global shortage of them. Therefore, Ukraine can provide additional security for both its own citizens and NATO member states,” he noted.According to him, granting such licenses is in the interests of the United States itself. “The United States and NATO member states truly need these missiles. And providing an additional protective shield for all Alliance countries is quite a beneficial endeavor,” emphasized the Chairman of the KSF.He warned that Russia will attempt to cause a complete power blackout this winter, so Ukraine critically needs air and missile defense systems as well as deterrents—long-range missiles capable of delivering strikes from a distance. “To show Putin that we are ready to strike any military target deep inside Russia,” he added.

The future of the Alliance itself and the new global security architecture depend on whether NATO helps Ukraine win the war. This was emphasized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2014 to 2016, during an interview on Times Radio, as he commented on expectations for the NATO summit, which began a few days ago in Ankara.

Yatsenyuk on Times Radio: Ukraine Needs Licenses to Manufacture RAS-3 Missiles – this is in the US's Interest

<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2_jpg_2_b95c154ed0.jpeg" alt="2.jpg (2).jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_2_jpg_2_b95c154ed0.jpeg 245w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_2_jpg_2_b95c154ed0.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_2_jpg_2_b95c154ed0.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_2_jpg_2_b95c154ed0.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure>Developments since Anchorage have not met Putin’s expectations, while a positive mood prevailed at the NATO and G7 summits. This was emphasized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2014 to 2016, during a special KSF discussion titled “NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”“The way things are unfolding right now is not the way Putin expected – neither before nor after Ankara. He has lost the momentum,” Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted.The Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum called the U.S. president’s decision to grant Ukraine licenses to manufacture missiles for the Patriot systems an important step, one that, however, will take time. “It is a huge deliverable. However, it takes time. And Putin still has an air dominance with the ballistic missiles. That is the reason why we urgently need anti-ballistic missiles and Patriot systems,” he emphasized.The Chairman of the KSF cautioned against jumping to conclusions about a turning point in the war. “This is a war of attrition. And I won’t exaggerate that we’ve reached a breaking point. Putin, the war criminal, hasn’t changed his plans. So we need to turn the screw on him, to press on him like hell, and impose additional sanctions, to have America in, the NATO in and Russia out,” Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted.The discussion took place in the Ukrainian capital as part of the new project ‘Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike’ – a series of expert discussions on pressing issues and key trends in Ukraine’s security, economy and foreign policy.Participants in the discussion included Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014–2016); and Danylo Lubkivsky, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine (2014), Member of the Security Council, Kyiv Security Forum. Joining online were Tanya Hartman, Head, Policy East Team, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO HQ; Ambassador William Taylor, Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2006–2009; 2019–2020); Ambassador Kurt Volker, US Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations (2017–2019); Marcin Buzanski, Director of the European Office of the Kyiv Security Forum (Brussels). The discussion was moderated by Mark Lobel, a BBC journalist and BBC presenter.A video recording of the discussion is available in Ukrainian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/Dr3hmeNuWXs?si=M-LI7yDj433gfDZ-">here</a> and in English <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/wgE3iyVLBX0?si=hs6tGmTw78lFhtfk">here</a>.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace. Prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists, and journalists participate in KSF events. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine in the spotlight of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on current security issues.

Developments since Anchorage have not met Putin’s expectations, while a positive mood prevailed at the NATO and G7 summits. This was emphasized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2014 to 2016, during a special KSF discussion titled “NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”

Yatsenyuk on the outcome of the NATO summit: Putin has lost the momentum – events are not unfolding according to his plan

<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Lub3_jpg_5db430d88e.jpeg" alt="Lub3.jpg.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Lub3_jpg_5db430d88e.jpeg 245w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Lub3_jpg_5db430d88e.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Lub3_jpg_5db430d88e.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Lub3_jpg_5db430d88e.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure>It is Ukraine’s NATO membership that will put an end to the war, as Russia started it in order to reshape Europe’s security order. This was stated by Danylo Lubkivsky, a member of the Security Council of the Kyiv Security Forum and Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2014, during a special KSF discussion entitled ‘NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges and the Way Forward’.‘Russia launched this war to rewrite Europe’s security order. Let us recall Moscow’s ultimatum of December 2021, when Russia demanded that NATO withdraw its forces from across Eastern Europe. It wanted to turn Ukraine into a military bridgehead from which Russia could intimidate Europe, divide the Alliance and prepare for further aggression against NATO itself,” he noted.The diplomat emphasised that Ukraine had thwarted these plans and was making a strategic investment every day in the security of Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. According to him, unable to defeat Ukraine by military means, the Kremlin is attempting to divide the Alliance from within.“Russia exploits anti-Ukrainian narratives to divide Poland; it plays on short-sighted nationalism and domestic political calculations in Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic; it supports both the far right and the far left in an effort to weaken Germany and France; it seeks to manipulate President Trump and the political debate in the United States to undermine American leadership and transatlantic unity,” noted Danylo Lubkivsky.He emphasised that the key message from Ankara was the preservation of allied unity, which must now be translated into concrete action. “Protect Ukraine’s skies. Provide Ukraine with the military capabilities needed to break Russia's ability to wage this war. Recognise a simple strategic reality: Ukraine has bought Europe time to rebuild its defence. Now Europe must use this time wisely. America must return,” the diplomat emphasised.The discussion took place in the Ukrainian capital as part of the new project ‘Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike’ – a series of expert discussions on pressing issues and key trends in Ukraine’s security, economy and foreign policy.Participants in the discussion included Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014–2016); and Danylo Lubkivsky, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine (2014), Member of the Security Council, Kyiv Security Forum. Joining online were Tanya Hartman, Head, Policy East Team, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO HQ; Ambassador William Taylor, Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2006–2009; 2019–2020); Ambassador Kurt Volker, US Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations (2017–2019); Marcin Buzanski, Director of the European Office of the Kyiv Security Forum (Brussels). The discussion was moderated by Mark Lobel, a BBC journalist and BBC presenter.A video recording of the discussion is available in Ukrainian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/Dr3hmeNuWXs?si=M-LI7yDj433gfDZ-">here</a> and in English <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/wgE3iyVLBX0?si=hs6tGmTw78lFhtfk">here</a>.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace. Prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists, and journalists participate in KSF events. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine in the spotlight of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on current security issues.

It is Ukraine’s NATO membership that will put an end to the war, as Russia started it in order to reshape Europe’s security order. This was stated by Danylo Lubkivsky, a member of the Security Council of the Kyiv Security Forum and Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2014, during a special KSF discussion entitled ‘NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges and the Way Forward’.

Lubkivsky: Ukraine’s NATO membership will bring an end to the war

<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/20260708_161022_jpg_8252ba54e2.jpeg" alt="20260708_161022.jpg.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_20260708_161022_jpg_8252ba54e2.jpeg 208w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_20260708_161022_jpg_8252ba54e2.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_20260708_161022_jpg_8252ba54e2.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_20260708_161022_jpg_8252ba54e2.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure>That NATO summit at which Ukraine finally joins the Alliance will truly be historic – a process that began back in 2008. This was stated by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2014 to 2016, during a special discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum entitled ‘NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges and the Way Forward’.“We started the process of Ukraine’s accession to NATO back in 2008, when I was Speaker of Parliament. We appealed to the Alliance to provide us with a Membership Action Plan. But for practically the next 18 years, we have seen delays. At the same time, the Alliance has done an incredible amount for Ukraine, shouldering both the financial and military burdens. We have been standing up to Russia for at least 12 years. Putin has failed to capture Ukraine and he never will,” he noted.Yatsenyuk identified air defence missiles and deterrents as Ukraine’s key requirements. “First and foremost, we urgently need air defence systems and means of deterring the enemy – long-range weapons. Every night, Russia launches ballistic missile strikes on Ukraine. Last night, even the air-raid warning system failed to go off on time: first we heard explosions in Kyiv, and only then, after 1–2 minutes, did the sirens start to sound,” said the Chairman of the KSF.Addressing Ukraine’s allies, Yatsenyuk emphasised the conditions for Ukraine’s victory – turning the screws” on Russia, increasing Ukraine’s production capacity and securing air defence systems.The discussion took place in the Ukrainian capital as part of the new project ‘Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike’ – a series of expert discussions on pressing issues and key trends in Ukraine’s security, economy and foreign policy.Participants in the discussion included Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014–2016); and Danylo Lubkivsky, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine (2014), Member of the Security Council, Kyiv Security Forum. Joining online were Tanya Hartman, Head, Policy East Team, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO HQ; Ambassador William Taylor, Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2006–2009; 2019–2020); Ambassador Kurt Volker, US Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations (2017–2019); Marcin Buzanski, Director of the European Office of the Kyiv Security Forum (Brussels). The discussion was moderated by Mark Lobel, a BBC journalist and BBC presenter.A video recording of the discussion is available in Ukrainian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/Dr3hmeNuWXs?si=M-LI7yDj433gfDZ-">here</a> and in English <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/wgE3iyVLBX0?si=hs6tGmTw78lFhtfk">here</a>.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace. Prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists, and journalists participate in KSF events. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine in the spotlight of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on current security issues.

That NATO summit at which Ukraine finally joins the Alliance will truly be historic – a process that began back in 2008. This was stated by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2014 to 2016, during a special discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum entitled ‘NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges and the Way Forward’.

Yatsenyuk: I am looking forward to the historic NATO summit when Ukraine joins the Alliance

<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Whats_App_Image_2026_07_09_at_10_33_27_a73c8a765f.jpeg" alt="WhatsApp Image 2026-07-09 at 10.33.27.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Whats_App_Image_2026_07_09_at_10_33_27_a73c8a765f.jpeg 245w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Whats_App_Image_2026_07_09_at_10_33_27_a73c8a765f.jpeg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Whats_App_Image_2026_07_09_at_10_33_27_a73c8a765f.jpeg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Whats_App_Image_2026_07_09_at_10_33_27_a73c8a765f.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure>The NATO summit in Ankara was one of the most important, as the Alliance demonstrated tangible results and is now stronger than ever. This was stated by Tanya Hartman, Head of the Policy East Team of the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division at NATO Headquarters, during a special discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum titled “NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”“This has been one of the most consequential summits that we have had in a long time. Last year in the Hague, we took important decisions, important commitments. And this was the year when we demonstrated action, we demonstrated that we were delivering, that we were actually showing what we were accomplishing. NATO is now stronger than ever: we are building more, we are buying more, we are procuring more, and we are delivering more. NATO’s deterrence and defence are stronger than they have ever been: we are ready – both in terms of political will and military capability – to defend all allies and every inch of Alliance territory,” she noted.Hartman also emphasized the Alliance’s unwavering support for Ukraine. At the same time, she noted that Ukraine is now a “provider and investor” in security. “Our support and commitment to Ukraine are unwavering. Not only in the just announced commitment to provide 70 billion euros of support in training equipment and other capabilities for Ukraine in 2026. We have also committed to doing the same next year so that Ukraine can defend itself against attacks and to strengthen the country’s security in the long term,” the NATO representative emphasized.The discussion took place in the Ukrainian capital as part of the new project ‘Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike’ – a series of expert discussions on pressing issues and key trends in Ukraine’s security, economy and foreign policy.Participants in the discussion included Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014–2016); and Danylo Lubkivsky, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine (2014), Member of the Security Council, Kyiv Security Forum. Joining online were Tanya Hartman, Head, Policy East Team, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO HQ; Ambassador William Taylor, Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2006–2009; 2019–2020); Ambassador Kurt Volker, US Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations (2017–2019); Marcin Buzanski, Director of the European Office of the Kyiv Security Forum (Brussels). The discussion was moderated by Mark Lobel, a BBC journalist and BBC presenter.A video recording of the discussion is available in Ukrainian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/Dr3hmeNuWXs?si=M-LI7yDj433gfDZ-">here</a> and in English <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/wgE3iyVLBX0?si=hs6tGmTw78lFhtfk">here</a>.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace. Prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists, and journalists participate in KSF events. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine in the spotlight of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on current security issues.

The NATO summit in Ankara was one of the most important, as the Alliance demonstrated tangible results and is now stronger than ever. This was stated by Tanya Hartman, Head of the Policy East Team of the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division at NATO Headquarters, during a special discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum titled “NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”

Hartman: The Alliance is now stronger than ever and ready to defend every inch of its territory

<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Taylor_cde8ebdf54.jpg" alt="Taylor.jpg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Taylor_cde8ebdf54.jpg 245w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Taylor_cde8ebdf54.jpg 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Taylor_cde8ebdf54.jpg 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Taylor_cde8ebdf54.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></figure>The U.S. midterm congressional elections will not significantly affect support for Ukraine – the majority of Americans consistently support the country. This was noted by William Taylor, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine from 2006 to 2009 and from 2019 to 2020, during a special discussion organised by the Kyiv Security Forum titled “NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”Responding to a question about the possible consequences of the November elections, Taylor emphasized the consistent level of support for Ukraine in the U.S. “Congress has been very clear in its support for Ukraine in its opposition to Russia. The delegation of congressmen in Ankara serves as a demonstration of this support. The same can be said about the general public: if you ask Americans how they feel about Ukrainians, the majority believes that support for Ukraine should be strengthened,” he noted.According to him, the current administration can also move in this direction. “I don’t see these elections in November having a great effect, since the general direction of support is already there,” the diplomat emphasized.Separately, Taylor emphasized that Ukraine is a contributor to security and “is doing what NATO was formed to do – deterring Russia.”The discussion took place in the Ukrainian capital as part of the new project ‘Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike’ – a series of expert discussions on pressing issues and key trends in Ukraine’s security, economy and foreign policy.Participants in the discussion included Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014–2016); and Danylo Lubkivsky, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine (2014), Member of the Security Council, Kyiv Security Forum. Joining online were Tanya Hartman, Head, Policy East Team, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO HQ; Ambassador William Taylor, Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2006–2009; 2019–2020); Ambassador Kurt Volker, US Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations (2017–2019); Marcin Buzanski, Director of the European Office of the Kyiv Security Forum (Brussels). The discussion was moderated by Mark Lobel, a BBC journalist and BBC presenter.A video recording of the discussion is available in Ukrainian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/Dr3hmeNuWXs?si=M-LI7yDj433gfDZ-">here</a> and in English <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/wgE3iyVLBX0?si=hs6tGmTw78lFhtfk">here</a>.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace. Prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists, and journalists participate in KSF events. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine in the spotlight of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on current security issues.

The U.S. midterm congressional elections will not significantly affect support for Ukraine –the majority of Americans consistently support the country. This was noted by William Taylor, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine from 2006 to 2009 and from 2019 to 2020, during a special discussion organised by the Kyiv Security Forum titled “NATO Summit in Ankara: Decisions, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”