In 1994, Ukrainian society did not demand security guarantees or pursue NATO membership. At that time, the presidential elections showed that Ukrainians were predominantly pro-Russia, and now we are seeing the consequences of that.

Journalist Vitaly Portnikov stated this during the 11th Youth Kyiv Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE".

"Most citizens supported the candidate who spoke about restoring ties with Russia. At the time, the question "Who will attack us?" sounded absurd, and NATO was viewed negatively until nearly 2014," Vitaly Portnikov said.

He emphasized that Ukrainians did not realize the risks that their Western partners had seen for years. This, he said, is why the U.S. was cautious and consistent in the 1990s. "Americans had a better understanding of what the collapse of the USSR could lead to. They warned that Ukraine's attempts to defend its independence could lead to a catastrophe," he noted.

Addressing the current situation, the journalist pointed out how the concept of "peace" is distorted in public discourse. He noted that ceasefires are part of any settlement process, but real "peace treaties" are impossible without a balance of power.

According to him, even the Trump administration's approach to the Russian-Ukrainian war demonstrated internal inconsistency. "Before the meeting in Alaska, Trump convinced Putin to cease fire. Afterwards, he started talking about a peace treaty. However, as long as there is no real ceasefire, these are all moves in an unclear direction and attempts to save face."

Separately, Vitaly Portnikov emphasized that, although Ukraine is not currently experiencing a political crisis, it has been in a state of governance crisis for the past six years.

"The crisis began the day Zelenskyy took office. It is a crisis of state governance, wherein institutions are failing to fulfill their functions. We cannot establish robust parliamentary, governmental, and presidential institutions. Without them, a country living under the threat of extinction will not survive," the journalist explained.

He emphasized that the system should revert to the traditional European model, in which the government is accountable to Parliament rather than to Parliament rather than the President's office.

"If deputies believe that the most effective ministers are representatives of one party or another, that is their responsibility. That is how democracy works. It's not a model in which three or four managers make decisions in the President's office," Vitaly Portnikov summed up.

The journalist emphasized that only restoring the state's institutional capacity will allow Ukraine to move forward with confidence amid constant threats to its existence.

Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007. Its goal is to strengthen and develop 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.