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Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine since 2014 has turned into a strategic advantage for Ukraine: the constant upgrading of defense technologies, driven by wartime conditions, has made them powerful.Yaroslav Azhnyuk, the founder and CEO of The Fourth Law, discussed this topic at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”"We see that civilian technologies and the civilian experience of enterprises are driving a wave of defense technologies," Azhnyuk noted.According to him, the intensified focus on defense will continue for at least the next ten years.&nbsp;"Ukraine has one major strategic advantage on a global level – we have been at war with Russia for the past 12 years," the founder of The Fourth Law emphasized.Azhnyuk believes that no other country can take this strategic advantage away from Ukraine. “And that is why Ukrainian weapons are becoming so powerful – because of constant upgrades,” he said. &nbsp;"Take, for example, a Ukrainian drone interceptor. If we bring it to Germany or Canada and start building the same interceptor… it will be obsolete in six months… That’s why there obviously needs to be cooperation between companies that grow alongside the military,” explained the founder and CEO of The Fourth Law.Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.


Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine since 2014 has turned into a strategic advantage for Ukraine: the constant upgrading of defense technologies, driven by wartime conditions, has made them powerful.


Ukrainian weapons are powerful due to the constant need for upgrades – founder of The Fourth Law 

In recent years, Ukraine has transformed from a recipient of security assistance into its provider, and the partnership with the country is mutually beneficial for both sides. This was stated by Florian Hahn, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, themed “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“Over the past four years, Ukraine has transformed from a security recipient into a security provider. Our strategic partnership is undeniably a win-win for both sides,” he said.Hahn pointed out that one of the outcomes of recent intergovernmental consultations between Germany and Ukraine was the deepening of cooperation, particularly in the field of drones. “Various drones of Ukrainian design will be produced both in Ukraine and in Germany, enabling Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression. In the long term, this could also contribute to the defense capabilities of the German Armed Forces and our close partners,” he noted.The Minister of State emphasized that Germany and its partners “can clearly benefit from Ukraine’s expertise, innovation, and defense capabilities in this era and learn from Ukraine as a key partner”.He specifically drew attention to the changing nature of armed conflicts. “Modern conflicts are no longer fought solely on the battlefield,” Hahn noted, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity, the fight against disinformation, and the resilience of societies.According to Hahn, Russia’s war against Ukraine remains “the most significant and direct threat to the security of Ukraine, Germany, and Europe.” He emphasized that Berlin maintains its unwavering support for Kyiv in both the short and long term.“Our support is not just in words,” he noted, adding that since 2022, Germany has provided and committed to providing €55 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including €11.5 billion this year, as well as €39 billion in civilian assistance.He also emphasized the need for further strengthening of international support. “We call on all partners to step up their efforts in this direction and will continuously explore opportunities for further support,” said the German Minister of State.Hahn emphasized that a just peace is only possible under the condition of respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Peace must be based on the core principles of the UN Charter and cannot reward aggression,” he said.The Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine’s European integration course. “Ukraine’s future is in the European Union,” Hahn stated, adding that reforms within the EU accession process are key to the country’s recovery.“If we remain united and determined, the answer to our question will be obvious. The light ahead is not just a possibility, it is within reach,” he concluded.The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 upon the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation. This year, it is taking place on April 23-24.

In recent years, Ukraine has transformed from a recipient of security assistance into its provider, and the partnership with the country is mutually beneficial for both sides. This was stated by Florian Hahn, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, themed “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

Ukraine has transformed from a recipient of aid into a provider of security - Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office

The European Union already considers Ukraine a de facto member state, building cooperation in line with this approach while simultaneously strengthening financial and defense support. Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß, Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence at the European External Action Service (EEAS), made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”"We already consider Ukraine a de facto EU member state right now," she stressed.She noted that the European Union plans to allocate EUR 90 billion to support Ukraine over the next two years. Of this amount, EUR 60 billion is earmarked for defense, and EUR 30 billion is earmarked for macro-financial assistance.The representative of the European External Action Service emphasized that the EU has consistently supported Ukraine since the start of the war and will continue to do so. "We have stood with Ukraine since the start of the war and will continue to do so in the future," von Seherr-Thoß said.She noted that this support is based on two key principles: helping Ukraine win the war and strengthening the long-term partnership."First, we want to help Ukraine win this war. Second, our goal is to strengthen our partnership and cooperation to maximize future benefits for Ukraine and the EU,” she explained. According to her, Ukraine plays a central role in determining its own aid needs. "Ukraine determines its own needs, including what it wants to procure, from whom, and by when," the EEAS representative emphasized.She stressed that one of the priorities is maximizing the involvement of the Ukrainian defense industry in procurement. "The goal is to procure as much as possible from Ukrainian industry because you are innovators and leaders in key sectors," von Seherr-Thoß noted.She said that, at the same time, cooperation with European industry will be developed. This includes creating joint ventures and collaborations between companies.Von Seherr-Thoß also emphasized the need to invest not only in current needs, but also in long-term security. "Even after the war ends, the threat won't disappear, so we must build a partnership that guarantees security today and in the future," she said.She added that the EU is using additional financial instruments to expand production capacity, including funding new production lines in Ukraine and EU countries.As the EEAS representative noted, supporting Ukraine is also a strategic investment in shared security. "Ukraine is a key partner today and will be a member of the European Union tomorrow," she 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.

The European Union already considers Ukraine a de facto member state, building cooperation in line with this approach while simultaneously strengthening financial and defense support. Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß, Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence at the European External Action Service (EEAS), made this statement during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

EU already considers Ukraine a member state – EEAS Representative

Throughout the war, Ukrainians have demonstrated their ability to gain local and temporary advantages by using drones. This has enabled them to achieve tactical and operational objectives. &nbsp;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?”"During the war, Ukrainians brilliantly demonstrated that they can use drones to gain local and temporary advantages. What does this mean? It means that you can stand up to a larger adversary with more resources and a larger army. Creating this local, temporary advantage allows you to achieve tactical and operational objectives,” said Ciolponea.He called this a very interesting lesson and noted the importance of studying Ukrainian combat experience. In particular, Ciolponea highlighted the work of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Center (JATEC) in Poland, which "integrates combat experience from different domains into NATO.""Our group is proposing the most effective procedures, requirements, and steps to help Ukrainians modernize their armed forces for different echelons," explained the NATO representative.As Ciolponea noted, JATEC is developing innovation initiatives and joint capabilities between Western countries and Ukraine, particularly for testing and countering drones in different environments.According to his projections, the broad integration of robotics will occur soon.&nbsp;“...we will face a wave of robots in about five to ten years. I suspect the initial wave will be fully autonomous, and robotics will be integrated into the force structure, mixed between unmanned and manned systems,” added Ciolponea.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;

Throughout the war, Ukrainians have demonstrated their ability to gain local and temporary advantages by using drones. This has enabled them to achieve tactical and operational objectives.  

Ukrainians are capable of gaining local and temporary advantages through the use of drones - NATO Command representative 

The restoration of Ukrainian communities after the war presents a unique opportunity not only to rebuild what has been destroyed but to leap forward technologically by implementing advanced solutions and modern resilience standards.This was stated by Daniel Stander, Deputy Chair of the Resilient Cities Network, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“We see a tremendous opportunity for Ukrainian cities to leap forward. There is a chance to emerge even stronger by applying the build back better principle,” he stated. Stander emphasised that the concept of resilience for Ukrainian cities must be holistic, encompassing not only the capacity to withstand military threats, but also preparedness for economic shocks, pandemics, and climate challenges.Achieving this, he noted, requires the institutionalisation of the resilience function within municipalities — ranging from energy independence strategies to waste management and healthcare systems.The Deputy Chair of the Resilient Cities Network also highlighted the acute labour shortage within Ukrainian communities, driven by the war and migration. The loss of life among those defending the country, as well as internal and external displacement, placed significant strain on human capital. One way to bridge this gap is through partnerships with cities in other countries that have the relevant expertise and resources,” Stander noted. He added that such an exchange of expertise would enable Ukrainian cities to develop not merely stand-alone initiatives, but comprehensive investment portfolios capable of generating a long-term “resilience dividend.”“Resilience is not an abstract concept – it is a way of life and a model of governance at the local level. My observations in Ukraine in recent years confirm that both large and small cities have immense potential to realise these opportunities through international partnerships,” the Resilient Cities Network representative concluded.Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.&nbsp;

The restoration of Ukrainian communities after the war presents a unique opportunity not only to rebuild what has been destroyed but to leap forward technologically by implementing advanced solutions and modern resilience standards.

Ukrainian cities have the opportunity to make a technological leap during reconstruction” – Daniel Stander

The creation of joint ventures with European manufacturers plays a key role in strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities. This was stated by Oleksandr Berezhnyi, Managing Director of Quantum-Systems Ukraine, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum &nbsp;“Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“I would highlight the potential for joint operations —international company seeks to establish a Ukrainian presence to integrate it into European manufacturing,” Berezhnyi said. He noted that Ukraine’s wartime experience is of paramount importance.“Joint ventures are a clear example. At Quantum-Systems Ukraine, we are currently establishing our first joint venture in Germany. This demonstrates the potential for scaling such cooperation across Europe,” he remarked.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;

The creation of joint ventures with European manufacturers plays a key role in strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities. This was stated by Oleksandr Berezhnyi, Managing Director of Quantum-Systems Ukraine, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum  “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

Establishing joint ventures helps scale up and strengthen military capabilities” –  Managing Director of Quantum-Systems Ukraine

The modern war that Russia has unleashed against Ukraine is characterized byan accelerated innovation cycle.&nbsp;It is impossible to fight in a modern war with equipment manufactured five years ago. The innovation cycle is now very short — a month at most. TAF Industries founder Oleksandr Yakovenko made this statement at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”"The war has shown that what worked three months ago doesn't work at all today. As our military has noted, the key is adaptability and flexibility. In modern warfare, it is impossible to fight with equipment manufactured 5 years ago. Moreover, it is impossible to fight with equipment manufactured a year ago. This is especially true for drones and other unmanned systems,” he said. Yakovenko emphasized separately that collaboration between European industry and Ukrainian companies is key to success and protecting the entire European defense perimeter."But the most important thing we have right now is our military personnel, who are holding the line, providing constant feedback, and helping us adapt our products," the founder of TAF emphasized.He also emphasized the critical importance of understanding the "cost of destroying the enemy," which is a very strong result.“We understand that the innovation cycle is very short: three weeks, a month at most. We understand that we can scale up using those parts and components that are easy to purchase and easy to find,” Yakovenko is confident.&nbsp;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.

The modern war that Russia has unleashed against Ukraine is characterized byan accelerated innovation cycle. 

Founder of TAF Industries: The innovation cycle during wartime is very short — a month at most 

Ukrainian industry must shift from a product-based to a solution-based approach. Ukraine and Europe can collaborate to ensure the continent’s security. &nbsp;Bogdan Sas, co-founder of Buntar Aerospace, made this statement at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“We believe that Ukrainian industry must transition from a product-based to a solution-based approach. In this model, Ukraine and Europe can collaborate to develop solutions. Ukrainians can contribute new technologies and exceptional battlefield expertise gained through combat experience,” he said. Sas emphasized that the Ukrainian people can develop these technologies and that Europe can assist with resources because the defense sector lacks sufficient capital to build what it could otherwise build. &nbsp;"The same applies to training. If we deploy a drone, it will be useless without proper training. We believe that training must be continuous because the battlefield is constantly changing. Technologies require significant adaptation over the course of months, even two months,” he said.He also emphasized the importance of constantly considering Ukraine’s national interests and the future of Europe.&nbsp;"We believe that the war is already underway and that Europe will eventually be drawn into it. We feel that only together can we effectively defend our continent. The answer is that we need to work closely together using a solutions-based approach, linking every technology directly to what is happening on the front lines and to the people who will use it in a conflict or during preparations for one,” Sas 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.

Buntar Aerospace Co-Founder: Ukrainian industry must shift from a product-based to a solution-based approach 

On the Occasion of the Kyiv Security Forum April 202623 April 2026We, Nobel Peace Prize laureates of Nobel Women’s Initiative, stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and with the women whose leadership, resilience, and courage are sustaining communities and shaping the path toward justice.At a time when Ukraine continues to endure relentless attacks, we write to express our unwavering support and solidarity. We unequivocally condemn Russia’s ongoing aggression and the grave violations of human rights and international law that have accompanied it.As discussions about Ukraine’s future continue to unfold, one point must be made clear: the human dimension must be restored to the center of decision-making, grounded in the lives, rights, and dignity of those most affected. Too often, these discussions are reduced to territories, resources, and geopolitical arrangements.When people are forgotten, when occupied territories are spoken of as empty spaces, the reality of this war is obscured. Occupation is not a neutral condition; it is a continuation of violence, marked by repression, fear, and constant threat. Ignoring these realities leads to flawed approaches that cannot deliver a just or lasting peace.There can be no just or lasting peace without accountability. Justice is essential, and those responsible must be held to account.Ukrainian civil society has made this clear from the beginning. And across Ukraine, women have been at the forefront, sustaining communities, documenting war crimes, supporting survivors, and demanding justice. They are leading in occupied territories, in detention, in displacement, and in communities rebuilding under constant threat.Ukrainian women are not waiting to be included. They are already leading. Yet too often, their voices, and the voices of those most affected, remain excluded from political and security decision-making. This must change.Women must have equal and meaningful participation in all peace negotiations, including in key decision-making spaces and forums such as the Kyiv Security Forum. The commitments of the Women, Peace and Security agenda must be upheld, not only in principle, but in practice.This must be matched by sustained and flexible funding for women-led and feminist civil society organizations, whose work is essential and too often under-resourced in efforts toward justice, recovery, and lasting peace.We also recognize that this war is fought not only on the battlefield, but in the information space. The manipulation of truth and the erosion of trust are part of the strategy of war. Defending truth is part of defending democracy, and part of defending Ukraine.To the people of Ukraine: we honour your courage, your resistance, and your determination to defend your future. We see the leadership of women who continue to hold communities together and demand justice in the face of immense pressure. We stand with you.And we will continue to insist that all paths to peace must begin with the people of Ukraine and remain accountable to those whose lives, rights, and futures are most affected.Nobel Women’s Initiative is led by eight women Nobel Peace Prize laureates - Jody Williams (USA), Shirin Ebadi (Iran), Tawakkol Karman (Yemen), Leymah Gbowee (Liberia), Rigoberta Menchú Tum (Guatemala), Narges Mohammadi (Iran), Maria Ressa (Philippines) and Oleksandra Matviichuk (Ukraine).Women are crucial to attaining lasting peace, and yet in times of war and conflict they are seen as victims, and too often excluded from formal peace-building processes. The laureates know the importance of women peacebuilders, and the challenges they face firsthand. At NWI they work together to use the platform and access that the Nobel Peace Prize offers to elevate the voices and support the work of women peace activists around the world.

We, Nobel Peace Prize laureates of Nobel Women’s Initiative, stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and with the women whose leadership, resilience, and courage are sustaining communities and shaping the path toward justice.

Statement by Nobel women’s initiative laureates to the people of Ukraine

Ukraine and Georgia’s struggle against russian aggression stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit — its capacity to withstand dictatorship and the “informational darkness” of authoritarian regimes. This was emphasised by Ia Meurmishvili, Editor-in-Chief of Independence Avenue Media, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“Russia is not merely darkness. Russia is evil. And darkness descends when evil prevails. We must ensure that Russia does not win. Most importantly, the human spirit is indomitable: just look at Ukraine, a profound example of this, or Georgia, where protests for freedom of choice have endured for hundreds of days,” she said.Meurmishvili stressed that authoritarian regimes thrive in environments where an information vacuum exists and facts are absent. According to her, dictatorships invest vast resources in spreading their own narratives, using “darkness” as a space devoid of truth.“The battle between light and darkness is not confined to the front lines in Ukraine. It also runs through the information space. When people have access to facts and truth, they make choices very different from those expected by authoritarian leaders. We must continue to fight for this space by ensuring people have access to facts,” the journalist 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.

Ukraine and Georgia’s struggle against russian aggression stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit — its capacity to withstand dictatorship and the “informational darkness” of authoritarian regimes. This was emphasised by Ia Meurmishvili, Editor-in-Chief of Independence Avenue Media, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”