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Despite the kremlin's intention to continue its aggression, russia's financial and human resources are gradually being depleted, which will ultimately force Moscow to seek a ceasefire. Ambassador Kurt Volker, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations, emphasized this point during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which focused on the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?""Right now, Putin is burning his resources to sustain the war, draining the russian economy. He is unable to replace the number of soldiers he loses on the battlefield each month. Many things have shifted in Ukraine's favor," Volker stated. He stressed that Ukraine's growing defense capabilities, particularly its ability to conduct long-range strikes inside russia, have significantly affected the aggressor's oil exports."Russia is not receiving the windfall profits from high oil prices that it otherwise could," the former U.S. representative noted. Commenting on Washington's position, he said he does not expect a shift in the approach of Donald Trump: "He has made it clear that he simply wants the war to end under any circumstances. He wants a peace deal and is not going to abandon that objective."At the same time, Volker stressed that the real obstacle to peace is the position of the russian dictator. "The reality is that putin does not want a peace deal. He wants to continue fighting and attacking. I do not think he will ever recognize Ukraine as a legitimate, sovereign, independent country," he said.At the same time, Volker expressed confidence that putin will not be able to sustain the current pace of the war. "He will need a ceasefire. Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire. And once we get there, we must work as much as possible to deepen and strengthen Ukraine economically, militarily, and institutionally," he emphasized.The diplomat called for increasing economic pressure on the kremlin, including through secondary sanctions on russian oil and providing Ukraine with long-range weapons, including Tomahawk missiles.Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

Putin will need a ceasefire as he exhausts war resources – Kurt Volker

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

Ukraine is not asking for the direct participation of foreign troops but primarily needs resources to continue its fight. Taavi Rõivas, former Prime Minister of Estonia (2014–2016) 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?""Ukraine is not asking for our sons to fight for them; they are only asking for equipment, technology, and military support," he said, responding to widespread rhetoric about Ukraine needing to show 'gratitude' to its allies.&nbsp;"I am tired of hearing that Ukraine should be grateful. It is we who should be grateful that Ukraine is fighting for the rest of the democratic world," the politician stated.Speaking about the financial capabilities of allies, he emphasized that the resources to support Ukraine do exist, and their use is a matter of political will."If you sum up the GDP of NATO countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States, these are enormous resources. We once said it would be difficult to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP; now we are talking about 5%. And these are small costs to help Ukraine gain victory in this war," he stressed.According to him, Ukraine's victory is crucial for deterring further russian aggression. "If Ukraine remains a shield, russia will not be able to expand its aggression and seize other countries," Rõivas noted.He also addressed the issue of transatlantic relations, acknowledging some concerns about signals from the United States but emphasizing the importance of partnership with North America. Rõivas agreed with Donald Trump on the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security."I do not often agree with Trump, but Europe must do more," 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.

Ukraine today serves as a shield for the whole Europe – Former Estonian Prime Minister

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

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

The administration of US President Donald Trump is turning a blind eye to the war crimes, genocide, and military aggression committed by the russian federation in Ukraine. This was stated by Nicolas Tenzer, Chairman of the Centre for Studies and Research on Political Decisions (France), at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“The United States is no longer an ally – we must acknowledge this. Under the Trump administration, the US is an adversary... The Trump administration is ignoring war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, as well as the aggression carried out by the russian federation on Ukrainian soil,” he said.According to Tenzer, European and other nations are forming new alliances specifically to counter these emerging ideological threats.“We see that the US and Russia are united in their efforts to undermine the core principles that define Europe,” the French political scientist stated.He emphasised that Europe’s security, starting with Ukraine, now depends on Europe itself. Tenzer also welcomed the fact that a majority of European countries support the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, aimed at holding the russian federation accountable.“However, we must understand that we cannot win the war without fighting, without participation. European nations must demonstrate resolve. They must say that they are ready to become involved and explain this to their citizens,” Tenzer concluded.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.

Tenzer: Under the Trump administration, the US is no longer an ally but an adversary — this must be acknowledged

Marketa Gregorova, Member of the European Parliament from the Czech Republic, highlighted russia's extensive disinformation efforts, which exploit vulnerabilities of democratic societies across various sectors. She made this statement at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“We must take a close look at what is happening in Europe in the context of supporting Ukraine. Geopolitically, we see intense discussions regarding US President Donald Trump, conflicts in other regions, and the need to increase defence spending. These are all valid debates, yet we overlook a crucial point: we all live in democratic countries. And democracies are highly vulnerable. If there is one domain where Russia is clearly winning the war, it is the information space, specifically disinformation,” she said.Gregorova questioned whether it makes sense, for instance, for Germany to invest in advanced weaponry for defence while losing ground in the information domain. According to her, democratic societies are being gradually poisoned by disinformation.What will be the point of that expensive weaponry? We are witnessing the gradual poisoning of our societies through disinformation. Even now, there are people in Europe being radicalised against Ukraine specifically because of it. If this continues, those sponsored by Moscow could come to power,” the MEP warned.She concluded that Europe is still not paying sufficient attention to this challenge.“For us, Ukraine is not just a cornerstone, but a mirror into which we must see how to defend European values,” Gregorova concluded.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.

MEP Gregorova: The one domain where russia is certainly winning the war is the information space

The russian federation must pay reparations for all damages inflicted during its aggression against Ukraine, and its political and military leadership must face a special international tribunal for the crimes committed. This was emphasised by Andrzej Duda, former President of Poland (2015–2025), at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”‘We must address two types of responsibility. The first is financial responsibility. Russia must pay for all the damage in Ukraine and for its reconstruction. This applies not only to rebuilding infrastructure but also to the psychological and medical support required by Ukrainian veterans and society,” Duda stated.The second essential element, he noted, is the punishment for crimes committed by both the russian military and the political leadership of the russian federation. According to the Polish politician, this should be the mandate of a special international tribunal “dedicated specifically to these investigations, judicial processes, and ensuring accountability”.When asked about US policy and the unpredictability of Donald Trump, Duda cautioned against premature judgements. “I know President Donald Trump. I have spoken with him many times. Sometimes his policy appears unconventional, and it can be quite difficult to discern what the real benefit for Ukraine and the free world will be. However, I have my own understanding of what he seeks to achieve and how. So, let us wait and see,” Duda noted.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.

Duda: russia must pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction, and war crimes must be investigated by an international tribunal

The Ukrainian translation of “The Power Triangle” by Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, was presented on the sidelines of the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?” The book was published by the A-BA-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA publishing house.“On the one hand, this book is an intellectual delight. On the other, it helps us grasp the scale of the challenges and threats we face. It allows us to reflect on our future path, calling to build the kind of order that ought to prevail in the world— a global order rooted in diplomacy, mutual recognition and, undoubtedly, national freedom,” said Danylo Lubkivskyi, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine (2014) and a member of the Kyiv Security Forum Security Council, during the book’s presentation.Ivan Malkovych, founder and director of the A-BA-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA publishing house, informed the audience that the book was printed at a factory in Kharkiv, where staff continue their work despite constant shelling. “Today is the very first day the book is available for purchase,” he added.The publisher noted that, according to the author, the book’s creation was inspired by the existence of the Ukrainian Nation and its heroic struggle against the aggressor. Malkovych also clarified that Danylo Lubkivskyi was the book’s very first reader.“It was a fascinating journey. I invite you to explore the world of international relations, the world of global challenges and threats as seen by Alexander Stubb — one of the most experienced diplomats of our time,” shared the member of the Kyiv Security Forum Security Council.According to Lubkivskyi, the book is written with profound respect for other cultures, while Stubb’s uniqueness as a diplomat is evidenced by his ability to build sound relationships with such an “eccentric figure in international relations as Donald Trump.”“In my brief foreword, I described the book as an antidote to doom,” Lubkivskyi added.Malkovych, in turn, stressed that Stubb wrote the book in a personal capacity, not as President.According to Lubkivskyi, the insights into the world of international relations offered in the book are uniquely valuable. For the Kyiv Security Forum, the presence of a publisher that disseminates knowledge about other nations, cultures, and their respective philosophies and worldviews is of particular importance.“I am delighted that A-BA-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA has undertaken the publication of “The Power Triangle,” 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’s Forum is taking place on 23-24 April.

Lubkivskyi on Stubb’s book “The Power Triangle”: an intellectual delight and a chance to reflect on our future path