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Europe and Ukraine must be ready to confront Russia even without US support, and to do so it is necessary to abandon “peace dividends” that are damaging security.This was pointed out by James Sherr, Senior Fellow of the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute, International Center for Defense and Security, at the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.He warned that European countries should get rid of the illusion that Russia cannot be defeated and start acting based on their own strengths.“There are two options: it is for Europe and Ukraine, with or without the US, to confront Russia, or make it change its objectives. And we have the potential to do it, it requires planning, but is has a cost, and we do need determination,” said James Sherr.<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_T5_A2562_9da5d9a946.jpeg" alt="8T5A2562.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_T5_A2562_9da5d9a946.jpeg 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_T5_A2562_9da5d9a946.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_T5_A2562_9da5d9a946.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_8_T5_A2562_9da5d9a946.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>The scientist criticized the “peacetime” mentality that developed in the post Cold War Europe, and believes that it only harms the EU security, especially in the context of responding to Russian aggression.He also touched on the risks associated with unpredictability of today’s US policy. “Alliances are based on predictability, steadfastness and trust. But today the Administration in Washington is destroying this trust. In Europe, they are already saying: we have to plan on the assumption that the US will not be there,” he explained.James Sherr emphasized that changes in American policy have shaken the global image of the US as the force for good, and this may have long-term consequences: “For over a hundred years, the US has been seen in the world as the force for good. But in the past hundred days, this faith has been deeply shaken. And it’s going to be very difficult to restore it,” he concluded.The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

Europe and Ukraine must be ready to confront Russia even without US support, and to do so it is necessary to abandon “peace dividends” that are damaging security.

Scientist James Sherr: Europe and Ukraine Must Prepare to Act Alone

<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_14_37_12_5e4510df59.jpeg" alt="WhatsApp Image 2025-05-09 at 14.37.12.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_14_37_12_5e4510df59.jpeg 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_14_37_12_5e4510df59.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_14_37_12_5e4510df59.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_14_37_12_5e4510df59.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>Responsibility for the crime of military aggression against Ukraine must be borne not only by the Kremlin’s head, Vladimir Putin, but also by the Russian people, who support his actions and thus participate in the war against the Ukrainian State.This was the message by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum, Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014-2016), at the 17 th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE WORLD AGGRESSOR”.“We must know: this war concerns not only Putin. We are talking about the Russian people and the deeply rooted causes that prompted Putin to attack Ukraine. Russians have always hated Ukrainians. Russians have always tried to eradicate the Ukrainian nation. This began during the Russian Empire - hundreds of years ago. And when it comes to Putin, he in fact only reflects the feelings and attitudes of many Russians. So, they also must bear full responsibility for everything that Putin and his regime commit,” he said.Arseniy Yatsenyuk emphasized that the invasion of Ukraine was carried out by the Russian army and the Russian people. “And who is killing Ukrainians in the occupied territories? Ordinary Russians,” he said.The Forum Chairman stressed that the Kremlin managed to impose his rules on a vast part of the world. “He managed to cooperate with other tyrants, with other totalitarian regimes, in particular with China. And to be honest, I can’t even imagine why the new US Administration believes they can somehow apply an opposite strategy to how Henry Kissinger worked. This will never happen,” he emphasized.At the same time, according to Arseniy Yatsenyuk, the axis of evil that has been formed in the past years poses a very real threat to the United States. “President Xi came to the Red Square today, May 9, for the whole world to see and to send a signal to the Oval Office: Mr. President Trump, we are friends of steel… But if Putin is not stopped, or if Putin, together with China, North Korea, Iran, and other axis of evil states, is capable to impose a new world order, then there will be no more place in it for the leader of the free world, that is, for the United States of America,” he concluded.The Kyiv Security Forum, founded by Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” foundation, is the main platform in this country to discuss problems of war and peace, national and world security.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk emphasized that the invasion of Ukraine was carried out by the Russian army and the Russian people

Arseniy Yatsenyuk: Russians must Bear Full Responsibility for Everything Putin
Commits

European institutes must prevent disappearance of media outlets such as Radio Liberty, because quality journalism is today a ready-made weapon in the battle against disinformation.This idea was shared by Olga Rudenko, Editor-in-Chief, Kyiv Independent, at the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.“We already have a team, distribution, platforms, audience trust. This is what decades have been spent on. And this is our strong weapon against disinformation,” she emphasized.<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_T5_A2340_4a37aaf21f.jpeg" alt="8T5A2340.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_T5_A2340_4a37aaf21f.jpeg 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_T5_A2340_4a37aaf21f.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_T5_A2340_4a37aaf21f.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_8_T5_A2340_4a37aaf21f.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>The journalist added that Kyiv Independent audience (according to her, about 80 thousand people) “want honest stories and believe that this must be done.”“If Europe fails to support independent media, we will simply lose the center of gravity of trust in journalism. Then, the information field will be occupied by others — those who do not tell the truth,” Olga Rudenko concluded.&nbsp;The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

European institutes must prevent disappearance of media outlets such as Radio Liberty, because quality journalism is today a ready-made weapon in the battle against disinformation.

Kyiv Independent Editor-in-Chief: Quality Journalism is a Weapon against Disinformation

Authoritarian regimes wage wars not only on the battlefield, but also in people’s minds, using manipulation, lies and cutting-edge technologies. To win, democratic societies must not only defend themselves, but also shape their own information dynamics.This was emphasized by Janis Sarts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Center for Excellence (Riga), at the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.“Authoritarian systems strive to control the hearts and minds of their own people. They form information gaps in which the truth drowns,” Director Sarts said.<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_T5_A2135_e7f9e2e8aa.jpeg" alt="8T5A2135.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_T5_A2135_e7f9e2e8aa.jpeg 220w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_T5_A2135_e7f9e2e8aa.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_T5_A2135_e7f9e2e8aa.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_8_T5_A2135_e7f9e2e8aa.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>According to him, such regimes use information tools first against their own people, and then against other countries. Their goal is to sow doubt, paralyze societies and break their will to resist.“We will not win the war if we only defend ourselves. We need to grab initiative, set our own dynamics based on values and real stories,” he emphasized.Director Sarts paid special attention to challenges posed by new technologies development: “Artificial intelligence (AI) will soon transform everything. If we do not have time to prepare, we will lose. Right now we are only defending ourselves, sometimes even successfully. But this is not enough. We need an offensive strategy.”The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

Authoritarian regimes wage wars not only on the battlefield, but also in people’s minds, using manipulation, lies and cutting-edge technologies. To win, democratic societies must not only defend themselves, but also shape their own information dynamics.

You can’t win a war by remaining in a permanent defence – NATO’s Strategic Communications Director

Ukraine has shown that it is committed to defend democratic values: when the martial law is over, the European Union should help Ukraine adhere to democratic processes during elections.This was emphasized by Marcin Walecki, Senior Resident Country Director, National Democratic Institute in Ukraine, at the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.“I am optimistic about the war in Ukraine… Ukraine has shown that it is committed to defend democracy,” he said.<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_T5_A2413_10df49ff59.jpeg" alt="8T5A2413.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_T5_A2413_10df49ff59.jpeg 238w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_T5_A2413_10df49ff59.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_T5_A2413_10df49ff59.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_8_T5_A2413_10df49ff59.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>According to Marcin Walecki, there are several key elements for a democratic future, the first of which is free elections. “It is going to be the most difficult elections in Europe,” he pointed out.He also reminded that elections in Ukraine will be held only after the martial law is over, and it will be extremely important for the European Union to provide assistance to Ukraine in terms of adhering to democratic processes. Another element important for the future, according to Marcin Walecki, is real expectations in the context of Ukraine’s membership in the European Union.“We cannot apply the same accession processes that we used in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and the Balkans. Ukraine is doing this under enormous attacks of disinformation... we need to be together with Ukraine, not just assessing it from outside,” he stressed.In this context, the Senior Resident Country Director, NDI, Ukraine added that the European Union needs to take care of “corrupt populist regimes inside, as they are going to be an obstacle to Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO.”"Ukraine has shown that it is committed to and knows how to defend democracy. “I am confident that there is a sufficient level of political dialogue, unity, understanding and respect for political pluralism... I am more concerned about the state of democracy in the EU,” he concluded.The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

Ukraine has shown that it is committed to defend democratic values: when the martial law is over, the European Union should help Ukraine adhere to democratic processes during elections.

Free elections and support for Ukraine in European integration processes will determine democratic future – Walecki

Russian aggression against Ukraine is based not so much on Putin’s desire to seize territories, but rather on changing, rewriting Ukrainian identity, history, and language, and this is genocidal to Ukrainian people.This idea was brought to the spotlight by Ian Brzezinski, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO policy (2001-2005), at the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.“Some people asked me: what is at stake for us? If Russia wins, the war will expand more and more,” he said.<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_T5_A2525_1cf5d1c553.jpeg" alt="8T5A2525.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_T5_A2525_1cf5d1c553.jpeg 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_T5_A2525_1cf5d1c553.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_T5_A2525_1cf5d1c553.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_8_T5_A2525_1cf5d1c553.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>The scientist noted that the war is not explained by Putin’s desire to seize territory, but “to rewrite, to redefine Ukrainian identity, history, language.”“That’s genocidal. We haven’t seen that since World War II. And if there is anything more damaging than appeasing the aggressor, it’s to accept or tolerate genocide,” he expressed his firm belief.Ian Brzezinski emphasized that the rules-based international order is at risk. “The principle of sovereignty is the basis of international order,” he stressed.According to Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council, the key element of Putin’s strategy against Ukraine is nuclear coercion. “He has limited the Euro-Atlantic response to this brutal invasion. If we put up with this, Putin will expand more and more,” the scientist concluded.The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

Russian aggression against Ukraine is based not so much on Putin’s desire to seize territories, but rather on changing, rewriting Ukrainian identity, history, and language, and this is genocidal to Ukrainian people.

Ian Brzezinski: Tolerating Genocide is more Destructive than Appeasing the Aggressor

Any peace deal with Russia at this stage will jeopardize the future of democracies, particularly in Europe, the Caucasus and Latin America.This opinion was expressed by Nicolas Tenzer, Chairman of the Center for Studies and Research on Political Decision (France), at the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.“When I say that Russia is winning, I mean that it will win even with a peace deal. This will be a disaster for the free world, because China, North Korea and Iran will also feel free to do what they please and will act in a bolder way,” said Nicolas Tenzer.<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_T5_A2477_eca793c11e.jpeg" alt="8T5A2477.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_T5_A2477_eca793c11e.jpeg 242w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_T5_A2477_eca793c11e.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_T5_A2477_eca793c11e.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_8_T5_A2477_eca793c11e.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>He drew attention to hightened risks for countries already in the Kremlin’s grip of influence: “Imagine what will happen to Georgia under the grip of Russia if there is no victory for Ukraine. What will happen to Armenia, where Russian troops are already deployed? It will break up all the aspirations of the Armenian people to join Europe.”Nikolay Tenzer believes that international law should remain an unchanging compass for the free world - this is about unconditional recognition of borders, bringing to justice all the war criminals and the rejection of “soft” compromises with the aggressor.“If we do not bring to justice Putin and his generals, and many Russians as well, if we allow negotiations or compromises with the aggressor to be called “peace”, then international law will lose all meaning. “Peace” and “Russia”, “negotiations” and “Russia” in one sentence are the contradiction, an oxymoron,” he emphasized.The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

“When I say that Russia is winning, I mean that it will win even with a peace deal. This will be a disaster for the free world, because China, North Korea and Iran will also feel free to do what they please and will act in a bolder way,” said Nicolas Tenzer.

It is a Contradiction, an Oxymoron to have in the Same Sentence words “Peace” and “Russia” - Nicolas Tenzer

The new “Cold War” will be within all states or within all European states, and it will depend on Europe and its partnership with Ukraine.This was emphasized by Brian Whitmore, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council, the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.According to Brian Whitmore, the Russian Federation is looking at how to take advantage of weakened democracies. His worst fears about the US elections have materialized.“Now, strangely enough, I see that something is moving forward... It is about training drone pilots, the front line has stabilized and Ukraine shows no signs of giving up,” he shared his feelings.<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_T5_A2447_240ca036a6.jpeg" alt="8T5A2447.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_T5_A2447_240ca036a6.jpeg 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_T5_A2447_240ca036a6.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_T5_A2447_240ca036a6.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_8_T5_A2447_240ca036a6.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>At the same time, he added: “And that heartens me.”“There is a clear loss of trust in Transatlantic relations (of my European colleagues - ed.). But my European colleagues have made it clear that they are ready to move forward with or without the United States. And that gives me hope,” - Brian Whitmore emphasized.At the same time, he noted that there are some things that worry him: “If the old “Cold War” was fought between states, the new “Cold War” is fought within almost all states. And it’s certainly being fought within European states,” he said, adding that everything depends on Europe and its partnership with Ukraine.&nbsp;The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform in Ukraine to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

According to Brian Whitmore, the Russian Federation is looking at how to take advantage of weakened democracies. His worst fears about the US elections have materialized.

Ukraine Shows no Signs of Being a Defeated Country – Brian Whitmore

The US should continue to assist Ukraine and keep pressing on the Russian Federation, as this will help pave the way to a just peace.This was underlined by Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor (2021-2025), in a special online speech at the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.“The question: what comes next? It is always difficult to end a war of aggression. But something is simple. The key to a just and sustainable peace is leverage and staying in power. And the key to staying in power means that the United States and its Allies provide more aid and support to Ukraine, and continue to tighten pressure on Russia. So that Putin gets the message that he will not be able to “outlast us”, - he noted.Jake Sullivan emphasized that now in his country some want to shape US policy towards Ukraine as a choice between supporting peace or supporting continued war.“That is, you are either for peace or just for war that is going for ever and ever. That is not the choice. We cannot let anyone fall into that trap. The real choice is the choice between true peace through supporting Ukraine in effective negotiations with leverage, and false peace - through basically the surrender to Putin. We have built a lot of leverage to secure a good deal. We need to keep helping Ukraine to build more,” - he explained.The politician expressed his hope that President Donald Trump will impose greater pressure on Russia and continue to support Ukraine, because this will make America stronger.The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.&nbsp;

“The question: what comes next? It is always difficult to end a war of aggression. But something is simple. The key to a just and sustainable peace is leverage and staying in power. And the key to staying in power means that the United States and its Allies provide more aid and support to Ukraine, and continue to tighten pressure on Russia. So that Putin gets the message that he will not be able to “outlast us”, - he noted.

Jake Sullivan: The path to a just peace in Ukraine is leverage and power

The vast majority of the US Congress believes in Ukraine’s struggle, and the American people strongly support Ukrainians.This was stressed by Deborah Ross, United States Congresswoman, at the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.“I join you here today with a very clear message: despite what you might read in the news, contrary to what you might hear from our President, a clear, decisive majority in Congress believes in your fight. We will be with you from today until the day Ukraine claims its victory and achieves peace and security,” she assured. Deborah Ross stressed that appeasing dictators does not work, as “it emboldens them, it compromises the world security, and it costs countless lives.”She emphasized that if aggression is not deterred, Putin’s ambitions will not stop with Ukraine, because his objective is no less “than restoration of the Soviet Union hegemony.The Congresswoman also recalled the large-scale disinformation campaign spreading across the whole Europe.“Without exaggeration, the future of Europe hangs in a balance. The West cannot allow Russia to re-carve borders of Ukraine. We must create the strongest shield to protect the independence of Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, Poland, and the Baltic States,” Deborah Ross is confident.The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform in Ukraine to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

“I join you here today with a very clear message: despite what you might read in the news, contrary to what you might hear from our President, a clear, decisive majority in Congress believes in your fight. We will be with you from today until the day Ukraine claims its victory and achieves peace and security,” she assured.
Deborah Ross stressed that appeasing dictators does not work, as “it emboldens them, it compromises the world security, and it costs countless lives.”