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Across the entire political spectrum of the Swedish Parliament — encompassing all eight parties from the left to the right — there is full unity in the commitment to support Ukraine. This was stated by Aron Emilsson, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swedish Riksdag, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”In Sweden, all eight parties in parliament, from the left to the right, stand united in their support for Ukraine. This is not merely a theoretical mindset regarding the need to strengthen security, deterrence, and defence within our European neighbourhood. It is rooted in our history. We have witnessed this type of warfare that Russia is waging against Ukraine — including terror and war crimes against civilians — on our borders throughout history, as have many other nations,” he explained.Responding to a question about how Europe can strengthen its overall deterrence and defence, Emilsson emphasised the importance of a shared goal – securing a future for children and generations to come.“Sometimes we may have discrepancies in ideological or domestic policy issues, but we share a far greater purpose — to build a future for our children and their children… We must strive to offer the EU the unique assets and capabilities of each of our nations, so that we can complement each other,” the Chair of the Riksdag Committee said.He also stressed that while strengthening the defence industry and rearming Europe are top priorities, these efforts must be guided by a strategic mindset. In particular, Emilsson pointed out that Europe is currently paying much attention to the present US administration.“We must understand that the transatlantic bond and transatlantic relations are much broader, have a deeper history, and are far more vital for the future than the current alliance. We must continue to work together, including with the American side,” he added.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.&nbsp;

“All parties in the Swedish Parliament are united in their support for Ukraine” –  Chair of the Riksdag Foreign Affairs Committee

Ukraine is an integral part of Europe, and in the context of seeking security solutions, European defence must be considered in tandem with Ukraine. This was stated by Klaus Welle, Chairman of the Academic Council of the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”.Europe can defend itself by integrating Ukraine, because Ukraine is also Europe. We must not separate Ukraine from Europe – there is no “Europe and Ukraine”. Ukraine is part of Europe. Therefore, if we consider European defence together with Ukraine, we have the answer, as Ukraine is doing formidable work in this regard,” he said.In Welle's view, Europe can no longer rely with certainty on rapid reaction forces from the United States. Instead, Ukraine could potentially assume such a role alongside the European Union.We must conceive of Ukraine as an integral part of Europe – only then does the global picture change entirely. As for Germany, I am German, yet I have always considered myself, first and foremost, a European. If you want to be a leader, you must understand others. This is precisely why the United States is currently forfeiting its leadership role,” Welle said.According to him, the “”America First” stance effectively means “I no longer hear you, I am merely listening to my own interests.”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.

“Europe can defend itself by integrating Ukraine” – researcher Klaus Welle

The EU could allocate its defence budget for Ukraine’s defence budget, as the security of Europe and Ukraine is inextricably linked. This was stated by Erlend Bollman Bjørtvedt, CEO of Corisk, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“The main obstacle to Ukraine’s eventual accession to the EU is, of course, the war. I think the situation in Europe is very difficult now. The reason Europe is not acting strategically is simple: it lacks a strategy. To have a strategy, it’s necessary to have a goal. In my view, and the view of others, that goal can only be Ukraine’s victory in this war,” he said.Bjørtvedt noted that this prospect is deeply unsettling for many Europeans, as a Ukrainian victory would necessarily mean Russia’s defeat—an outcome that some find alarming. “I believe this is why Europe is not truly financing Ukraine’s war efforts. If we do not defeat Russia in this war, we will have to do so in the next war—and the next war will take place further to the west,” he emphasised.Bjørtvedt also pointed out that the economic cost of the war is already evident. Nevertheless, there is no compromise between the security of Europe and the security of Ukraine. “As Europeans, we might as well spend our defence budgets on Ukraine’s defence as on our own, because the security of Europe and Ukraine is inextricably linked,” the Corisk CEO stated.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.

“If Russia is not defeated now, there will be another war” – Corisk CEO

The erosion of international law, not merely its violation, is the key factor driving the instability of our current era. Natalie Tocci, Director of the Institute of International Affairs (Italy), made these remarks during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“This war did not begin in 2022… It seems to me that &nbsp;the destruction of international law truly defines the cause of this era of instability," she noted.Tocci emphasized that this is not just about violations of international law; it's about rejecting it entirely."Now we see how openly they lie to the UN Security Council. It began in Ukraine and continues in Gaza and Iran – the non-recognition of international law," the Director of the Institute of International Affairs emphasized.According to Tocci, the current order based on rules, laws, and the activities of institutions is not recognized.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. &nbsp;

The erosion of international law is the cause of this era of instability – Director of the Institute of International Affairs 

Instead of establishing a new world order after the collapse of communism, the civilized world stood by as Russia and China undermined the post-World War II foundations of global life. Journalist Vitaly Portnikov stated this during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”&nbsp;"What have we done by 2022? After the collapse of communism, we simply stood by helplessly as Russia and China destroyed the world order created after World War II instead of building a new world order based on values and rules," Portnikov said.The journalist emphasized that the main question currently is whether a new order can be built on the ruins of the old postwar order, and if so, who will build it. "Will it be us, or Putin and Xi Jinping? That’s all there is to it," Portnikov stressed.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.

Journalist Portnikov: The question is whether a new world order can be built now and who will build it 

Current discussions in the United States regarding NATO and assistance to Ukraine reflect deeper shifts in approaches to global security.Steven Pifer, a fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute’s Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (1998–2000), made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?"According to Pifer, the U.S. has shouldered the main burden of security for decades, while Europe has underinvested. At the same time, the situation began to change. “Last summer, significant shifts took place — European countries began increasing defense spending to 3.5% of their GDP.”However, Pifer emphasizes that rhetoric in the U.S. regarding a reduction in the country’s international role has intensified simultaneously, particularly the idea of withdrawing from NATO.&nbsp;"And that would be a mistake. A less stable Europe is not in the United States’ interest," the expert said.He emphasized that weakening transatlantic unity could impact the global confrontation with China, as the support of allies is crucial.Pifer noted that the U.S. has not provided Ukraine with any new military aid since the beginning of 2025, despite the fact that the majority of Americans support it.“We're talking about previously funded aid or weapons purchased by Europeans. Over 60% of U.S. citizens support continued aid, and this position dominates the Senate as well,” he noted.In his view, the key factor in deterring Russia is the U.S. military presence in Europe. "The presence of about 100,000 U.S. troops in Europe sends a signal that stops Russia’s further expansion."He emphasized that strengthening Ukraine is the most effective strategy.&nbsp;"In order to stop Putin and limit his future ambitions, it is necessary to provide Ukraine with sufficient resources. Deterring Russia comes at a cost, but the consequences of failing to do so would be far more severe," the expert 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.

Tensions are rising in the U.S. over support for Ukraine and NATO’s role – Pifer 

Both before and after 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, and after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. and Europe made significant mistakes regarding Russia and Putin. Washington Post columnist David Ignatius made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”"The failure to stand up to Putin before 2014 was a failure of both the U.S. and Europe. &nbsp;After 2022, the failures were also significant," said the columnist.&nbsp;However, as Ignatius emphasized, he is inspired by his visit to Ukraine."In Washington, we see all the problems weighing heavily on us, but in Ukraine, the good guys are winning today. This is very important, so thank you, Ukraine," he added.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. <o:p></o:p>

The failure to stand up to Putin before 2014 is a failure of the U.S. and Europe – Washington Post columnist

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

In a time of deep crisis within international institutions and the rise of authoritarianism, democratic Europe must act decisively to restore the global balance and defend the principles of international law.Tawakkol Karman, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of Women Journalists Without Chains, stated this at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”&nbsp;"Russia's war against Ukraine has become a dangerous turning point. It has revived the logic of invasion and normalized violations of state sovereignty. When this principle is violated in one place, it weakens everywhere," Karman stated.According to Karman, a "vacuum of global leadership" has emerged, which could be filled by forces that do not share the principles of law and justice."It is essential that Europe assume global leadership, guided by its historical responsibility to restore global order and balance. Europe must take concrete steps, not just words,” the Nobel laureate emphasized.She added that this requires reforming global institutions, particularly the UN Security Council and its veto power, which "undermines equality and paralyzes action," as well as strengthening the International Criminal Court, despite political pressure.Regarding concrete steps, Karman said that Europe must provide "full support to the Ukrainian people and Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, reject any unjust settlement, and ensure justice and accountability." In addition to Ukraine, she called for decisive action to support the people of Palestine, Yemen, and Sudan.“Is there light ahead? I say yes. We create that light ourselves through our will, our faith in freedom and dignity, and our refusal to remain silent. The future must belong not to empires, but to people, the rule of law, and human rights,” she concluded.Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

Europe must take the lead in restoring the world order – Tawakkol Karman 

A united Europe has not failed during the war in Ukraine. However, it must strengthen its capabilities without waiting for permission to exist or to help Ukraine. Member of the National Assembly of France Anne Genetet made these remarks during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”"Beijing, Moscow, and Mr. Trump must understand that we do not need their permission to exist, solve our own problems, or help Ukraine," Genetet said.She noted that Europe is moving forward as a united entity and is not becoming weaker.“Mr. Zelenskyy told us as Europeans: what are you waiting for to show your strength? You have the power, you have the talent, you have the money. We have learned from this war: we have not failed, but we must strengthen our capabilities,” she emphasized.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.

Member of the National Assembly of France: We do not need permission to exist or help Ukraine 