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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and founder of the Invictus Games Foundation, has arrived in Ukraine at the invitation of the Kyiv Security Forum (KSF).He will participate in the 18th KSF – addressing Forum participants and joining one of the panels featuring Ukrainian veterans.As a reminder, the two-day Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) begins today in the Ukrainian capital. The theme of this year’s Forum is: ‘Darkness or Dawn: Is There Light?’This year’s KSF will bring together international leaders, senior security and defence officials, NATO representatives, diplomats, innovators and civil society figures to discuss today’s security challenges.Key topics of the Forum include international solidarity with Ukraine, transatlantic unity, global security, defence and modern warfare technologies, the fight against corruption and countering disinformation, the resilience of cities and energy infrastructure, and nuclear security.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ksf.openukraine.org/">Kyiv Security Forum (KSF)</a> is Ukraine’s leading international platform for discussing issues of war, peace and global security, launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://openukraine.org/">Open Ukraine Foundation</a>. The KSF’s primary mission is to defend Ukraine’s national interests on the global stage. The platform operates simultaneously on several levels: keeping Ukraine at the centre of the global agenda, expanding our country’s circle of international partners, and building expertise on pressing security issues. Since its foundation, the CBF has organised thousands of events – annual meetings, special events and online discussions. These events are followed by millions of people in Ukraine and abroad.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and founder of the Invictus Games Foundation, has arrived in Ukraine at the invitation of the Kyiv Security Forum (KSF). He will take participate in the 18th KSF – addressing Forum participants and joining one of the panels featuring Ukrainian veterans.

Prince Harry has arrived in Ukraine to take part in the 18th Kyiv Security Forum

Ukraine's role in reshaping Europe's modern security architecture and transforming NATO's defense approaches is crucial. This was stated by Lieutenant General Krzysztof Król, Advisor to the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”.According to him, Ukraine’s primary achievement has been its ability to withstand the initial phase of the full-scale invasion and rapidly adapt to the evolving conditions of warfare.“Russians are used to winning the first battle and then the war. Ukraine’s greatest achievement is that it withstood the first blow and managed to persevere. Furthermore, Ukraine has created and developed a new military and political culture being observed today as a process of state transformation,” Król noted.He emphasised that these changes extend beyond the military to public administration and the national resilience system. Moreover, Ukraine has demonstrated an unprecedented level of development in modern capabilities, including drones, satellite communications, 24/7 intelligence gathering, and data sharing at the highest level.“All of this is remarkable. We see how the legislation is changing and how the overall resilience of the state is strengthening. These changes are not limited to the military – they resonate across the entire government. Such adaptation has already become a cornerstone of your defense. Poland and NATO countries are also trying to implement similiar approaches,” he added.The General also recalled that during the 2022 Summit, the Alliance updated its Strategic Concept, shifting its focus from collective defense toward deterrence and defense. “We are focused on enhancing our posture for a prompt and decisive response. To achieve this, strengthening military capabilities remains the central objective for Alliance members today,” he noted.Król further highlighted that Poland has significantly accelerated the modernisation of its Armed Forces.“For the first time in over 100 years, Poland has launched a large-scale revival of its armed forces. We have made an unprecedented decision to allocate approximately 5% of GDP to defense. These are not just declarations, but a real buildup of capabilities for deterrence and defense,” he emphasised.

Ukraine's role in reshaping Europe's modern security architecture and transforming NATO's defense  approaches is crucial. This was stated by Lieutenant General Krzysztof Król, Advisor to the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”.

“Ukraine withstood the first blow and transformed its military culture,” said Polish General Krzysztof Król

Russia has failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives in the war against Ukraine, including its attempts to break the resilience of the Ukrainian people.This was stated by Brigadier General Joachim Kaschke, Head of the Special Staff for Ukraine at the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?"“Looking at russia, it has failed in every strategic goal. This is true for the first days of the war and the past four years, especially last winter, when it tried to break the resilience of the great Ukrainian people,” he said.According to Kaschke, Ukraine’s ability to endure provides grounds to speak of “light at the end of the tunnel.”He emphasised that Ukraine’s achievements have been made possible thanks to the “bravery of the Ukrainian people” and sustained international support.The German General also noted a shift in approach – &nbsp;the focus is no longer solely on providing necessary support to Ukraine, but on building a partnership with it. “We now see a reverse process. We want to develop our partnership and our relations with the great Ukrainian people to the level of a strategic partnership. We believe there is much to learn, and much we need to prepare for,” he said.The German General called on allies to focus on positive dynamics and a strategic vision in supporting Ukraine. At the same time, NATO countries must enhance their own capabilities, as “the strength of the Alliance stems from the strength of its member states.”The Head of the Special Staff for Ukraine at the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany reaffirmed that his country would continue to stand by Ukraine. “On behalf of Germany, I can say: absolutely, yes. We will be there, we are committed to this cause, and we want to develop it even further,” 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.

Russia has failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives in the war against Ukraine, including its attempts to break the resilience of the Ukrainian people. This was stated by Brigadier General Joachim Kaschke, Head of the Special Staff for Ukraine at the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?"

“Russia has failed all its strategic goals in the war against Ukraine” – German General Kaschke

The Latvian military is successfully adopting Ukraine’s experience, particularly in the rapid implementation of innovations. This was stated by Major General Kaspars Pudāns, Commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”Pudāns expressed admiration for how service members are treated in Ukraine. “Your approach—treating people with respect and ensuring they have all the necessary information—is very good,” he emphasised.The Latvian Commander also noted his visit to a training centre, which inter alia focuses on the psychological preparation of soldiers. “You are preparing them for new threats,” he added, referring to emerging types of battlefield targets.He added that Latvia constantly seeks to learn from &nbsp;Ukraine’s military experience.&nbsp; “We have been learning from Ukraine since 2014 – the government's approach, comprehensive defence, shared responsibility, and your resilience,” said the Commander, stressing that these qualities are rooted in Ukrainian families.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.

The Latvian military is successfully adopting Ukraine’s experience, particularly in the rapid implementation of innovations. This was stated by Major General Kaspars Pudāns, Commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

“Learning from Ukraine’s rapid innovation” – Commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the West and Europe have already “woken up,” but there is still a significant amount of work ahead to strengthen security and support Ukraine. &nbsp;Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, emphasized this point during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which focused on the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?"“Have we truly woken up? I would say yes – and we are working on it. We took a serious blow, and it sobered us up. In my view, the West and Europe are moving in the right direction. Last year’s summit in The Hague was a major achievement, resulting in more funding and industrial capabilities,” he said.At the same time, as Dragone emphasized, more is needed. "We are working in this direction. We are on the right track, but there is still a lot of work ahead. We have no right to give up and must not reduce our efforts."Speaking about Ukraine’s prospects for NATO membership, he referenced the decisions made at the 2024 summit in Washington.“The path has been laid out… There are commitments, and, of course, there is a war going on right now that must first be won. The path to Ukraine’s NATO membership and the steps that need to be taken have been defined,” Dragone said.Commenting on the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, he noted that Ukraine’s accomplishments are "quite evident", primarily because Russia failed to achieve a swift victory."Russia has failed to achieve any victory, let alone a quick one. This is extremely important. Ukraine has preserved its sovereignty, and we have seen a striking example of its ability to adapt under pressure in wartime conditions,” Dragone said. According to him, the war has taught the West important lessons, particularly regarding the use of drones, the dispersal of capabilities, and resilience – both military and public."Resilience is no longer an abstract concept. We see soldiers holding the front lines, civilians recovering from being under fire, and communities returning to normal life quickly. All of this is truly impressive and a testament to Ukrainian resilience,” the Admiral 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.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the West and Europe have already “woken up,” but there is still a significant amount of work ahead to strengthen security and support Ukraine.  Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, emphasized this point during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which focused on the theme "Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?"

The West has already “woken up”, but there is still much work ahead – NATO Military Committee Chairman

The full-scale war has fundamentally reshaped the approach to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration: today, it is no longer a movement “towards the West,” but a mutual exchange of experience. This was stated by Lesia Ohryzko, Head of the Reforms Support Office at the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and Founder and Director of the Sahaidachnyi Security Centre, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”According to Ohryzko, the previous paradigm assumed the existence of a “correct” Western model to which Ukraine had to adapt. The war, however, has exposed a different reality.“It is no longer a one-way process. Ukraine is not merely adopting experience, but is forging its own viable model. We see that some of our approaches can be beneficial for our partners as well,” Ohryzko emphasised.She highlighted Ukraine’s ability to bridge diverse approaches – flexible horizontal networks with clear vertical structures – allowing for rapid and effective responses to wartime challenges.The expert outlined three key lessons that are already reshaping security approaches in NATO member states. First, the return of scale as a decisive factor in warfare. “For decades, the focus has been on &nbsp;costly, high-tech solutions. However, this war has proven that mass remains critical. It requires vast resources, trained personnel, and the ability to operate at scale,” she said.Second, speed and adaptability. According to Ohryzko, this has become one of Ukraine's decisive advantages.” “Those who adapt faster have a better chance of survival. Ukraine demonstrates remarkably rapid implementation of innovations, continuous updates to equipment and solutions, and flexible procurement. This impresses our partners and serves as an example worth learning from,” she noted.&nbsp;Third, the role of the entire society in the war. Ohryzko emphasised that victory depends on more than just the military. “Victory is not achieved solely on the battlefield. It depends on energy, the economy, and local governance. Ukraine has demonstrated a unique model of state-society interaction, and this experience is well worth studying,” she highlighted.However, the expert warned that the main challenge for Ukraine’s partners lies not in recognising these lessons, but in integrating them quickly into their own systems. The speed of adaptation and readiness for change will determine the future effectiveness of European security policy.“Open Ukraine” is an international foundation established in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk to strengthen Ukraine’s international standing. Each year, it organises the Kyiv Security Forum – Ukraine’s leading international platform for discussing war and peace – as well as the Youth Kyiv Security Forum, aimed at fostering a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.

The full-scale war has fundamentally reshaped the approach to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration: today, it is no longer a movement “towards the West,” but a mutual exchange of experience. This was stated by Lesia Ohryzko, Head of the Reforms Support Office at the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and Founder and Director of the Sahaidachnyi Security Centre, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

Lesia Ohryzko on Ukraine's new role in NATO transformation: "It is no longer a one-way movement"

The shared responsibility of partners is to ensure that Ukraine continues to do what it needs to do for both self-defense and victory. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur made these remarks during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?” "It is important, even more so than ever, to focus international attention on Ukraine’s fight for its territory. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that Ukraine continues to do what it needs to do for both self-defense and victory,” Pevkur stated. He noted that Estonia has committed to providing military aid to Ukraine, amounting to at least 0.25% of its GDP annually. "In fact, we have done more. Estonia remains one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in the world," he assured.Pevkur reported that Estonia will exceed the 0.25% threshold again this year."Our latest USD 12 million package under the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) helped ensure that critically important equipment continues to flow from the United States to Ukraine," the Minister noted.However, he expressed regret that, as of today, "few are doing much" to help Ukraine. &nbsp;“But let me assure you: Estonia continues to urge everyone to do at least as much as we are doing," Pevkur stated. He added that Estonians believe the strongest guarantee of security is an independent and militarily strong Ukraine. "Ukraine fully belongs to the European Union and NATO.Another Budapest Memorandum is not the solution. We also know Putin’s intentions,” Pevkur 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.

The shared responsibility of partners is to ensure that Ukraine continues to do what it needs to do for both self-defense and victory. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur made these remarks during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

Estonian Defense Minister calls for ensuring Ukraine’s victory: Another Budapest memorandum is not the solution

Supporting Ukraine on the battlefield remains a key priority for the North Atlantic Alliance and its allies. This was stated by Brigadier General Jason Guiney, Head of the Forward Liaison Element of NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”According to him, all 32 Alliance nations, together with their partners, are working towards this goal. “Our priority is supporting Ukraine on the battlefield. We are turning commitments into concrete assistance: equipment, weaponry, and ammunition. We identify needs and, together with allies, seek the resources to meet them,” he noted.The General emphasised that the allies coordinate the delivery of large volumes of armaments, ranging from ammunition to air defence systems.”“We coordinate the delivery of hundreds of millions of rounds of ammunition and missiles for air defence. This enables Ukraine to strike enemy targets and protect its own critical infrastructure. It is important to understand: these are not donations, but an investment in global security,” Guiney said.&nbsp; He also stressed the importance of observing the effectiveness of NATO weaponry in real combat conditions.Particular attention, he noted, is being paid to the training of Ukrainian personnel. According to the General, since 2024, in cooperation with the EU, hundreds of thousands of service members have been trained to NATO standards.“Training is critically important. We train military personnel together with Ukrainians so that these standards can be scaled within the Armed Forces,” he explained.The General further emphasised that Ukraine already plays a central role in European security.”“Ukraine is the heart of European security and will remain so in the future. Interoperability with NATO is not just about standards – it is the ability to work together at all levels, from ministries to units on the battlefield,” he noted.He added that Ukraine’s successful adaptation to Alliance standards is a vital factor for its future integration.” In his view, strong and resilient Armed Forces remain the foundation of any credible security guarantees.“Ukraine continues to fight, and we must likewise continue our work – supporting it with equipment, weaponry, and training,” the General concluded.“Open Ukraine” is an international foundation established in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk to strengthen Ukraine’s international standing. Each year, it organises the Kyiv Security Forum – Ukraine’s leading international platform for discussing war and peace – as well as the Youth Kyiv Security Forum, aimed at fostering a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.

Supporting Ukraine on the battlefield remains a key priority for the North Atlantic Alliance and its allies. This was stated by Brigadier General Jason Guiney, Head of the Forward Liaison Element of NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

NATO General Jason Guiney: Ukraine is the heart of European security

Despite the enemy’s numerical superiority, Ukraine has managed to repel the Russian invasion and stabilize the front line through innovation, integration, and adaptability.General Seán Clancy, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”"We all remember the early days, when Russian tanks advanced on Kyiv from not far away. The path from that moment to Ukraine’s current state is an extraordinary example of its battlefield achievements. I know that many generals here can speak about resilience as well as tactical and operational levels. But, in my opinion, the most important elements of Ukraine’s achievements are innovation, integration, and adaptability,” he said.According to the General, despite Russia’s numerical superiority and Ukraine’s limited resources in terms of both equipment and manpower, the Ukrainian people outperformed the Russians “thanks to their ability to innovate, integrate, and collaborate while constantly adapting.”"Ukrainians were not afraid to take risks and acted quickly and on a large scale. That is precisely what allowed them to create the current conditions, where the front line is practically not moving,” Clancy added.&nbsp;Commenting on Ukraine’s prospects for EU membership, he noted that the process depends on the European Council. However, an acceleration is already underway. "We are seeing an accelerated "roadmap" and a very broad consensus among EU member states regarding Ukraine's membership."According to him, Ukraine is already a “priority and strategic partner” of the European Union and participates in key instruments, including the €150 billion SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program.Clancy also expressed cautious optimism regarding the accession timeline. "If it were up to me... I would be very optimistic: if willpower translates into achievement, it will happen soon," the General noted.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;

Despite the enemy’s numerical superiority, Ukraine has managed to repel the Russian invasion and stabilize the front line through innovation, integration, and adaptability.

Ukraine has outperformed Russia thanks to innovation and adaptability – Chairman of the EU Military Committee 

NATO member states in Eastern Europe continue to support Ukraine because they recognize that the outcome of Russian aggression directly affects their future. Major General Constantin-Adrian Ciolponea, a representative of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“Eastern European countries understand that the end of the conflict in Ukraine has a direct impact on the future of NATO’s eastern flank. Everyone agrees that Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength. That is why we continue to support Ukraine in the context of NATO and the EU, as well as in the long term,” Ciolponea said.He emphasized that this support is intended to enable Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength when the time comes. The representative of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation also believes that "the human factor is the most important factor in Ukraine today and in the future." &nbsp;“I must say that critically important support comes from allies, and the human factor can balance the situation in the war,” he noted.Ciolponea also commented on the current situation with NATO, noting that "sharing this burden is truly what is happening today" within the Alliance. According to him, European allies are now "coming to the fore." &nbsp;"They are enhancing their capabilities, both conventional and high-tech. It is also expected that allies will continue to develop various fields, particularly space. Space is the first line of defense for NATO. This is important for the entire concept of deterrence and defense,” the Major General added.&nbsp;At the same time, Ciolponea urged not to forget about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other technologies, particularly quantum technologies. "This is also a reason for the transformation of the armed forces," he added. The NATO Command representative also expressed confidence that unity within the Alliance remains intact."Today, we are witnessing a redistribution of power. The United States maintains its core assets in areas where it holds hegemony, such as nuclear deterrence and space. However, we remain a united family, and I see no factors that would prevent this," said Ciolponea.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.

NATO member states in Eastern Europe continue to support Ukraine because they recognize that the outcome of Russian aggression directly affects their future. Major General Constantin-Adrian Ciolponea, a representative of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

The end of the war in Ukraine has a direct impact on the future of NATO’s eastern flank – Major General Ciolponea

Ukraine is no longer just a recipient of international assistance but has become a source of experience, innovation, and leadership in the field of security. This was stated by General Seán Clancy, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“Ukraine is at the centre of many global challenges — from nuclear safety to countering disinformation — and acts not only as a recipient of aid but as a source of experience, innovation, and leadership,” he emphasised.According to Clancy, Ukraine has demonstrated an “exceptional capacity for adaptation, scaling the use of drones, autonomous systems, and commercial technologies, while strengthening digital resilience, military medicine, and logistics.”He noted that even in the most difficult conditions, an extraordinary spirit of resilience endures in Ukraine: “Ukrainians cannot afford the luxury of fear, they are focused on adapting and delivering solutions.”According to Clancy, despite the large-scale war, destruction, and losses, Ukraine demonstrates “the light of courage under fire, resilience under pressure, and innovation under constraints.”He emphasised that both Ukrainian society and the state retain the ability to function and evolve even under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. “We have all seen it: a country predicted to fall in a matter of days has stood for years; an army that has adapted with astounding speed, integrating new technologies in real time; and a society that continues to function, create, and innovate,” the General noted.Clancy stressed that russia’s war against Ukraine has become a “strategic awakening” for Europe. “The illusion that large-scale war would not return to our continent has been shattered. Security is no longer theoretical – it has become immediate, tangible, and shared,” he said.The Chairman of the EU Military Committee emphasised that Ukraine’s security is directly linked to the security of all of Europe: “Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. This is not merely an act of solidarity, it is a statement of reality.”The General also stressed the importance of maintaining unity and long-term support for Ukraine. “Is light ahead? Absolutely. But not by chance or through waiting. It emerges through effort, unity, and commitment,” he highlighted.Clancy assured that the European Union’s support for Ukraine will remain unwavering: “the European Union will support Ukraine for as long as it takes”.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 is no longer just a recipient of international assistance but has become a source of experience, innovation, and leadership in the field of security. This was stated by General Seán Clancy, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”