All branches of power in Ukraine must act independently to avoid any challenges for democracy, and to bring down risks for the country at the backdrop of war.

Olga Ayvazovska, Board Chair of the Civic network “OPORA” said these words at the 16th Annual Kyiv Security Forum established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.

“When one lives in temptation, when one lacks any system of checks and balances, it is a fearful situation. There is always a chance that someone else decides that he or she is above and beyond any law, - she said.

“My concern is as follows. In a parliamentary-presidential republic, the Parliament ought to play one of the leading roles. It was exactly what the Parliament has demonstrated when adopting necessary decisions in the darkest of times, - Olga Ayvazovska emphasized.

She reminded the audience that exactly when President Zelensky visited Odesa recently, russia dealt a blow to the city.

“It was not long ago when a russian ballistic missile exploded some 500 meters away from the President’s motorcade. In Ukraine, it should be comprehended at the system level that the Parliament must perform an extremely important role. It is only then that russia might understand that attempts to kill our President would not ruin Ukrainian statehood”, - Olga Ayvazovska stressed.

The 16th Annual Kyiv Security Forum is held March 21-22, 2024, to gather transatlantic support for Ukraine. This year Forum slogan is “Ukraine’s call to the World: Together We Prevail!”.