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Ukraine's economy and financial system, supported by partners, have demonstrated strong resilience, while the rapid growth of the defence industry lays the groundwork for future growth. This was stated by Ukraine’s Minister of Finance, Serhiy Marchenko, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”.&nbsp;“In economic, military, and budgetary terms, we are now in a much stronger position than we were in 2022,” he said. According to the Minister, Ukraine’s ability to adapt swiftly to harsh conditions is its key advantage”. He highlighted the unprecedented growth of domestic defence production, noting that in 2022 total military output across all sectors amounted to approximately USD 1 billion, while current estimates for this year reach USD 25 billion. “We have established a foundation for future economic growth. Our defence industry is gaining momentum at an exceptional pace,” he stated.Referring to EU financial support, Marchenko noted that recent decisions by European partners provide much-needed assurance. In particular, he pointed to the unconditional allocation of EUR 28.3 billion for defence needs. “This gives us additional fiscal space within our budgets, allowing us to reallocate funds. We now expect to procure drones using money that will be available through the European budget,” he explained.Moreover, an additional €16.7 billion has been allocated as budget support, part of which is linked to the implementation of reforms. According to the Minister, this also encourages Parliament to adopt the necessary legislation.Marchenko also emphasised the importance of reparations. “It is vital that the issue of frozen russian assets remains on the agenda. I believe our European partners must be bold enough to move forward on this matter,” he said.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.

“Ukraine has become much stronger than at the start of the war” – Serhiy Marchenko

Russia's war against Ukraine has become a strategic mistake for Moscow and, at the same time, an opportunity for Europe to strengthen its own security. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK Chief of the Defence Staff (2021–2025) and member of the Security Council of the Kyiv Security Forum, stated this at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?"According to him, the consequences of the war do not match the kremlin's expectations, while Ukraine is effectively containing the threat to the entire continent. "Russia has entered a reckless war, this must be used to advantage. We should be proud of what Ukraine is doing for all of Europe," Radakin emphasized.The Admiral stressed that this experience should serve as a signal to other states, including China, about the real consequences of aggressive policies. "We need to explain that you can act as an aggressor and try to pursue your ambitions, but in real life things rarely go according to plan," he noted. According to Radakin, the actions of russian president putin have produced the opposite effect: NATO and Europe have significantly strengthened coordination and defense efforts."Putin has caused NATO and Europe to coordinate their efforts. At the latest summit, decisions were made to nearly double defense spending and military objectives," he stressed. He added that a consensus has already emerged in Europe on the need to take own defense more seriously, including increasing production capacity and resources.According to him, demands for higher defense spending have long been heard from the United States, particularly from Donald Trump, and are now being implemented.At the same time, he warned that the world is becoming more dangerous, while weapons stockpiles in many countries are depleted and must be replenished and modernized."Our stockpiles are half empty. We need full stockpiles and modernization of what we have. We need an ‘arsenal’ of democracy. And this must be a transatlantic alliance together with the United States and all democracies around the world," Radakin concluded.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.

Russia has entered a reckless war, this must be used to advantage – Admiral Tony Radakin

Ukraine's experience demonstrates the effectiveness of an inclusive approach in the security and defense sector. Irene Fellin, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?""When we speak about inclusivity in the security sector, drawing on Ukraine's experience, we see how cooperation between both civilian and military structures should be organized simultaneously. We should be grateful to Ukraine and to Ukrainian women, because they have shown that they are fighters capable of supporting society and demonstrating political leadership at the community level," Fellin emphasized.She highlighted the important role of Ukrainian women in resisting aggression and strengthening societal resilience. "In Ukraine, around 75,000 women are serving, and I had the opportunity to speak with women commanders who shared their experience of conducting combat operations," she said. In her view, a country's resilience depends on preparedness for crises and coordination across all levels of society."To be resilient, we must prepare for crises in advance, maintain infrastructure, and engage with society. We will only be able to do this if we act together," Fellin concluded.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.

Ukrainian military women have a powerful impact on society – Irene Fellin

Without China’s support, Russia would not be able to wage war against Ukraine on the current scale. If a decision to attack NATO were made, it would come from Beijing because Moscow is incapable of making such decisions independently.Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee (2021–2025) and member of the Security Council of the Kyiv Security Forum, made this statement at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?"During his speech, he emphasized the importance of analyzing the Moscow-Beijing relationship and drew attention to Russia’s strategic dependence on China."Russia may attack if China requests it. The decision to attack NATO cannot be made solely in Moscow, but rather in Beijing. Russia is China’s vassal," the Admiral emphasized.He added that to effectively prepare for potential threats to the Alliance, it is necessary to build up not only military strength, but also industrial and financial capabilities."In addition to military capability, which must be developed and strengthened, we need money and a robust industrial base to produce what is needed," Bauer noted.The Admiral emphasized that this involves not only the defense industry but also broader engagement from the financial sector, governments, and private investors.When discussing the Alliance's internal unity, Bauer emphasized the importance of maintaining balance and preventing rift among allies, especially with the United States.“We need to keep a cool head and focus on what is happening in NATO and Europe. We must not alienate the Americans and must strengthen our position within the alliance," he concluded.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.

Admiral Bauer: Russia may attack NATO if China requests it  

The seizure of the Chornobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants by the aggressor country demonstrates the failure of the international safeguards system. To prevent the halting of industry development, effective safeguards must be established.Serhii Tarakanov, Director General of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, stated this during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”&nbsp;"Today, nuclear safety is not only a matter of engineering solutions, but also of the physical integrity of the facility in the event of a military attack," Tarakanov said.He added that the seizure of the Chornobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants demonstrated the failure of the international safeguards system."In February 2022, the Chornobyl NPP became the first nuclear facility in world history to be seized by military force. This happened literally in the first hours of the invasion," Tarakanov noted."Why is this important for the security context? Because, at that moment, the fundamental principle that nuclear facilities must not be occupied was violated,” Chornobyl NPP Director General emphasized.He said that plant employees worked at gunpoint, without shifts, and without contact with their families. "This was a testing ground for the aggressor before the seizure of the Zaporizhzhia NPP," he added."We must acknowledge that current international control mechanisms are failing to fulfill their primary function. In fact, this indicates a profound crisis in the concept of the peaceful atom," Director General of the Chornobyl NPP said.According to him, the occupation revealed a lack of protection against nuclear terrorism."Legislation must be revised. The aggressor must be excluded from global nuclear markets," Tarakanov emphasized, calling Russia’s actions regarding nuclear facilities in Ukraine "utterly irresponsible.""Without effective safeguards, this industry may simply halt its development because we will be afraid of a catastrophe," he concluded.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.

Russia's seizure of nuclear power plants violated the principle that occupying nuclear facilities is unacceptable – Chornobyl NPP Director General

Although the North Atlantic Alliance has not faced a direct attack from Russia, the risks are prompting countries to invest in their defense capabilities and industries. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže made these remarks during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?” "We have decided to allocate 5% of our GDP to defense. This is necessary to have not only theoretical, but also real military capabilities," Braže noted. She emphasized the importance of maintaining unity within NATO and strengthening transatlantic relations. The minister also highlighted support for Ukraine as a key priority for European security."Our main goal is to prevent Russia from achieving its objectives and ensure Ukraine's path to becoming a successful, democratic state and a future NATO member," Braže stated.She said that the Baltic States, Poland, and Germany are working together to weaken Russia and strengthen regional security. "Russia must be weakened, and this is already happening thanks to our coordinated decisions and support of Ukraine," she concluded.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;

Russia remains a long-term threat to NATO – Latvian Foreign Minister Braže 

Russia’s war against the West is ongoing and systematic. A change in Putin’s regime that does not dismantle the security and intelligence services apparatus will not stop the Kremlin from attempting to destabilize the democratic world. John Sipher, a former senior U.S. intelligence executive and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, emphasized this point during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which focused on the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?""When discussing what will happen to Putin or after him, we should keep one thing in mind: no matter what happens to Russia, if this security apparatus — this KGB apparatus — is not dismantled, we will continue to face an endless war against the West. This is not just a kinetic war; it involves assassinations, subversive activities, attacks, and negotiations used as a battlefield. We should listen to our Russian agents who consistently tell us that the system is evil and must be destroyed," he said.&nbsp;Sipher, who led the U.S. intelligence network for 30 years, including in Russia, noted that Russian agents claimed that "the Chekist system and security services are evil."People spy for various reasons, such as ego, money, revenge, and so on. But there was something unique about the Russians who worked for us. First, they were often the best and brightest. They weren’t drunks or womanizers. They believed in the system, worked their way up until they realized it was rotten and evil. They wanted to do something about it.That’s when they turned to us. Some of these people agreed to spy for us. Almost all of them said the same thing: "The Chekist system and the special services are evil. Russia will never become a normal country until they are destroyed," the former U.S. intelligence officer said.The expert commented on U.S. strategy, expressing the view that Washington should have "redoubled its efforts in Ukraine against Russian aggression" instead of becoming distracted by a military operation against Iran. He claims that the United States is "wasting weapons on Iran without any strategic benefit."Sipher touched on Donald Trump, calling him a “bad player” and saying that trying to convince him with logic is pointless. "He will support the winner. If he sees that someone is winning, he’ll want to join in. But I wouldn't try to convince him because I don't think he's very smart," he said.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.

Russia will only become a normal country after dismantling the Chekist system – former U.S. intelligence officer John Sipher 

As long as Russia’s main forces remain concentrated in Ukraine, its military capabilities in other regions are significantly limited.Andres Vosman, Estonia’s Ambassador to the State of Israel and former Deputy Director of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service (2020–2025), made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?""Russia is preparing for certain actions, but Ukraine is effectively tying its hands. As long as the war continues, the possibilities for any additional operations against NATO remain limited,” the ambassador noted.He emphasized that there are currently no signs of an immediate threat to the Baltic States or other NATO members.&nbsp; Separately, Vosman highlighted Ukraine’s strategic advantage in striking deep into Russian territory. "Ukraine currently has an advantage in striking deep into Russia, and I hope this trend will continue," he said.According to the diplomat, the international situation may also work in Ukraine’s favor due to changes in global security and economic dynamics."There are grounds for cautious optimism. Russia has not gained significantly from recent geopolitical events, and this opens up certain prospects,” concluded Vosman.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.

Ambassador Vosman: Russia’s capabilities against NATO are limited due to the war in Ukraine

A Ukrainian defeat in the war against Russia would be a geopolitical fiasco for the United States on all fronts – from the Middle East to the confrontation with China, and would endanger the fundamental values of the democratic world. Glenn Corn, a professor at the Institute of World Policy and a former U.S. intelligence official, emphasized this point during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which focused on the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?""We must see this war through to the end and ensure that Ukraine wins. Because if Ukraine loses, we lose in Iran, we lose in the Middle East, and we lose to China. In my view, we will lose almost everything, including who we are as a nation,” Corn stated.The expert noted that Russian aggression has already spread beyond Ukraine’s borders and is manifesting across Europe in the form of “active measures” and disinformation. He warned that Putin could make another mistake and escalate militarily against the Baltic states or other NATO members if the West does not demonstrate absolute unity and readiness for a swift and painful response.“Putin is not as brilliant as many believe. His invasion in 2022 was a disaster for Russia, and he may slip up again. The only way to deter him is to be 100% ready,” the professor emphasized.He also highlighted the role of information warfare, calling it one of the main fronts. "Russia is actively manipulating narratives to convince people that sanctions aren't working and that this war will never end," the expert said.&nbsp;He emphasized that Ukrainian forces are achieving "incredible results" against a much larger army. At the same time, he said, allies must provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons."Ukrainians have never asked us to send our sons to fight. They are only asking for weapons to defend their country."The former U.S. intelligence official added that, since diplomatic efforts have failed, it is necessary to "increase pressure" on Russia. “It is time to stop negotiating with Putin. He has shown no sincerity. We need to increase the pressure. Ukraine has allowed the United States to put Putin in his place, and the American administration must seize this chance,” Corn stated.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.

If Ukraine loses, the U.S. will lose everything, including its identity – American expert Glenn Corn 

Russia does not have a clearly defined long-term plan regarding Ukraine. However, its leadership seeks to exploit any opportunities to expand its influence. This was stated by Sir Richard Peter Moore, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) (2020–2025), during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum themed “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?According to him, Russian President Putin demonstrates an obsession with Ukraine and a desire to control the post-Soviet space, yet his actions are often situational. “I have never seen a clear strategic plan regarding Ukraine. But if we show weakness and stop our support, Russia will immediately look for new opportunities,” Moore noted.He emphasized the importance of a swift Western response to provocations, including drone incidents in the Baltic states and Poland. “It’s not just about Russia’s motivation or why they are doing it, but about our response. If the reaction is weak or slow, the Russians will draw their own conclusions,” he underlined.Separately, the intelligence chief drew attention to the necessity of strengthening support for Ukraine, especially in anticipation of the winter period.The former head of MI6 also recalled the mistakes of the past, specifically the West’s insufficient response in 2014. “We have already seen what the underestimation of Russia leads to. This cannot be allowed to happen again,” Moore 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 to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders. &nbsp;

Putin will take advantage of any weakness of the West - Head of MI6 Richard Moore.