The possible transformation of Ukraine into an authoritarian state can be erroneous, and should be disallowed.

This idea was underlined by Ambassador Valery Chaly, Chairman of the Board, Ukrainian Crisis Media Center, diplomatic adviser to the President of Ukraine in 2014-15 during a special event of the Kyiv Security Forum, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.

“I disagree with the statement that democracy cannot exist at the time of war. Democracy will continue during the war. And it will be our error to create an authoritarian model and use it in a small authoritarian country to defeat a larger authoritarian country. We need to win with democracy and through democracy,” he emphasized.

Valery Chaly emphasized that throughout its history the Ukrainian nation amended mistakes of politicians – both Ukrainian and foreign, time and again.

“I think the biggest challenge arises if the people of Ukraine are removed from assessing and evaluating decision-making process. Freedom of mass media is fundamental – it’s time to end all these “marathons”... Similarly, it is a must to ensure that the function of control is reinstated with the Parliament,” the diplomat emphasized.

He emphasized the importance of preserving the unity and motivation of Ukrainian society, as well as establishing justice in such issues as, in particular, mobilization to the Armed Forces.

The Ambassador also argued for the need to continue the course of Ukraine’s accession to NATO and to prevent concessions to the aggressor.

“The desired projection of  mine is that Ukraine receives its invitation to NATO in Washington, D.C., at the 75th anniversary of the Alliance. This will be our last window of opportunity for the foreseeable future. Missing this date we find ourselves in a much more difficult situation,” he believes.

The Kyiv Security Forum, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation, is the main platform in this country for discussing issues of war and peace, national and global security.