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<img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG" alt="YURI5369.JPG" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG 234w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG 500w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG 750w,https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_YURI_5369_6a3ba27de9.JPG 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">The active deployment of unmanned systems in defence, in all their forms and variations, does not reduce the need for military personnel involved in their operation. This was stated by Major Illia “Gandalf” Samoilenko, Intelligence Officer of the 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”The use of unmanned systems in all their forms and variations does not reduce the requirement for personnel. Instead, it increases the number of people needed in the military. Launching a single drone requires four people. Operating one UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) requires ten people. For larger long-range or medium-range strike drones, dozens of personnel are needed for each system,” Samoilenko stated.The Azov Officer emphasised that it is impossible to retake and liberate our territory using only UGVs or drones. Samoilenko also commented on the readiness of European armies to face potential threats.“In fact, European armies have forgotten how to fight. They need a cold shower,” he said.Samoilenko added that “in reality, the formidable power of NATO belongs to the Cold War era.”Remarkably, these methods still work. However, Europe lacks the resources to fully sustain them is therefore forced to improvise. Decades of European demilitarisation have placed Europe at a significant disadvantage,” the serviceman noted. Samoilenko expressed the view that Ukrainians now have a clearer understanding of the limitations of European military expertise in the context of the current war.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 active deployment of unmanned systems in defence, in all their forms and variations, does not reduce the need for military personnel involved in their operation. This was stated by Major Illia “Gandalf” Samoilenko, Intelligence Officer of the 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

“Unmanned systems increase the need for personnel rather than reducing it” – Azov Officer

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

Improving the effectiveness of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) depends on political decisions in Ukraine and the presence of political will. HACC Judge Vira Mykhailenko stated this during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?” "In our country, very few people truly want us (HACC judges) to work effectively," she noted.Unlike the situation with NABU and SAPO, she emphasized that strengthening the HACC’s capabilities, though stipulated in Ukraine’s international obligations, does not require any legislative changes. "All issues regarding the strengthening of the High Anti-Corruption Court’s capacity fall under the realm of political decision-making and the presence of political will," the HACC judge emphasized."The only difference between us and the pre-trial investigation body (NABU) is that no one is trying to influence the court yet," Mykhailenko added.When asked about allocating office space for HACC judges, the judge noted that the issue remains highly relevant. Mykhailenko pointed out that the judges appointed following the new competition will not have an office to administer justice.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.

Improving the effectiveness of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) depends on political decisions in Ukraine and the presence of political will. HACC Judge Vira Mykhailenko stated this during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, which was held under the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

Strengthening the High Anti-Corruption Court’s capabilities depends on political will, not legislative changes – Judge Mykhailenko 

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 

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 

To prevail in the war unleashed by the russian federation against Ukraine, military production must be seen as a shared national mission rather than an opportunity to profit from defence technologies. This was stated by Colonel Mykyta “Raz-Dva” Nadtochii, Deputy Commander of the 1st Azov Corps (National Guard of Ukraine), at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”“Speaking about the interaction between the military and various developers—both Ukrainian companies and those from partner countries — I would like to highlight one crucial point. Regarding our manufacturers – as long as we treat this effort merely as a business, we will continue to lose,” Nadtochii stated.He stressed that manufacturers must respond to military feedback with maximum speed, continuously refining and optimising their products so they can be rapidly used to destroy the enemy.Thus, when the entire nation, the whole of Ukraine, understands that this is not a time for business or profit — when everyone realises that our absolute priority is to overcome the challenge posed by our adversary — will we succeed,” the serviceman noted.However, he acknowledged that many manufacturers have already adopted a model of cooperation with the military in which “profit is not the primary driver, but rather the effectiveness of destroying the enemy.”“Once we achieve true symbiosis between the military and manufacturers, we will see tangible results,” Nadtochii said. He also advised foreign partners not only to adopt Ukraine’s military experience, but to learn from the mistakes made in the civilian sector.“First as a brigade, and now as a corps, we have encountered those who were merely looking to profiteer. They tried to sell us quite expensive products, presenting them as high-end and highly effective. However, after our own tests, we found that these solutions could be produced more cheaply and with far greater efficiency,” the serviceman stated.Consequently, the military established its own R&amp;D unit, which continually tests drones supplied by various manufacturers.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.

To prevail in the war unleashed by the russian federation against Ukraine, military production must be seen as a shared national mission rather than an opportunity to profit from defence technologies. This was stated by Colonel Mykyta “Raz-Dva” Nadtochii, Deputy Commander of the 1st Azov Corps (National Guard of Ukraine), at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

“As long as military production is viewed merely as a business, we will continue to lose” –  Deputy Commander of the 1st Azov Corps

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 