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russian president volodymyr putin has never recognized Ukraine’s right for self-identification, and this is his massive strategic mistake.This was emphasized by Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission in 2004-14 at the 16th Annual Kyiv Security Forum established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.“He has never recognized, neither politically nor psychologically, the existence of such a state as Ukraine. He has always seen it as a part of a bigger russia, - Mr. Barroso stated.Mr. Barroso recollected that before the planned signing of the Association Agreement with the EU in Vilnius in 2013, he met with the then president Yanoukovych during the final minutes of the summit, and the latter told him that he could not have signed the Agreement because of russia.It was after that the Maidan and the annexation of Crimea began.According to Mr. Barroso, when he discussed the annexation of Crimea with putin, the latter tried to persuade him there were no russian troops in the Crimea.“If our troops were there, we could have taken all Ukraine in a fortnight”, - Mr, Barroso recollected the putin’s words.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!”. &nbsp;

russian president volodymyr putin has never recognized Ukraine’s right for self-identification, and this is his massive strategic mistake.

President of the European Commission in 2004-14 Jose Manuel Barroso: putin has made a gigantic strategic mistake vis-à-vis Ukraine 

Ukrainian Youth visualized the future of Ukraine as a member-state of the EU and NATO, calling on the Alliance to make Ukraine join in. &nbsp;A respective letter of address was made public at the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation, and attended by over 100 young leaders from across Ukraine.“We feel honored to address you on behalf of all Youth of Ukraine attending the Kyiv Security Forum. We would like to express our absolute certainty that the future of Ukraine is with the Alloance, and this country wills and can instil new energy and commitments to the Alliance membership”, - quoting the address to the NATO Secretary General.“We have developed new experience, novelty expertise, new-fangled approaches and modern strategies. We have proven the efficiency of our unmanned technologies and tactical innovations. We are confident that our experience assists ensuring comprehensive security to the whole Alliance, as well as strengthening collective defences and safeguards for the whole world, - the address letter authors emphasize.Young people argue that Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance can send a forceful signal international investors about stability of Ukraine, hence, leading to increased foreign direct investment, support of its economy and enhance European sustainability.“Ukraine can become a trusted partner ready to engage in joint production and technical potential contributing to overall European stability. History proves that Ukraine enjoys a legitimate right to become a NATO member-state within its historically recognized borders, - the address underlines.German experience serves and example here, when Western Germany accessed the Alliance first, and then the rest of the country joined in.“Ukraine must have the same ooportunity. Ukrainian youth has made its decisive choice of sharing democratic security values and collective defence not solely for the purpose of safeguarding our own borders, but to support peace and stability across the globe. Please accept our assurances of high respect and our joint wishes to build a stable future together with NATO,” – the address emphasizes.A separate address was drawn for the Government of Ukraine, calling on it to accelerate its efforts for the most speedy Euro-Atlantic integration. &nbsp;“Your Excellency Prime Minister of Ukraine! We, Youth of Ukraine, the generation tempered in war, address you profoundly aware of our mission. In 2022, when the enemy commenced its full-scale invasion into our lands, we made our strategic choice by submitting our application to join the European Union. This move did not solely mean signing an important document, this step became a symbol of our invincibility, faith, and commitments to European values. The European Commission report published on October 30, 2024, stresses our aspirations and readiness of the whole country to persevere, and registers our progress towards the EU membership. We clearly understand what path Ukraine has already conquered, while at the same time we remain aware of more system changes needed”, - the document states. &nbsp;The Youth of Ukraine stresses that the country’s national security, including its economic, political, information, energy, and social aspects can be ascertained by the country’s accession to the EU.“Integrating into the EU means taking steps towards European welfare, the latter being of paramount importance at the backdrop of the lasting war. Gaining the EU full-fledged membership demands harmonization of Ukrainian legislation to EU standards”, - the address underlines.Young people called on to continue efforts to establish a solid and trusted mechanism of investigating top-level corruption cases and ascertaining unbiased information space and mass media freedom.Ukraininan youth also emphasize the need to continue institutional reform agenda within the established timespans, namely, decentralization reform, enhancing civil service efficiency, ensuring independent judiciary, and fighting organized crime. “We are the generation of changes, the generation of warriors, and the generation of winners. Europe is not just a geography notion for us, it is the values system encompassing the right of each and every one to enjoy a decent life, personal fulfillment, and equal rights irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity or religious beliefs. This is the time to take action. We keep on being resilient on the frontline, and now we stand ready to prove our capability to implement European standards in this country. We have faith in our future, and we have faith in Ukraine”, - the document concludes.Youth Kyiv Security Forum is the leading platform to engage young leaders into discussion of national security issues and international relations agenda. &nbsp;

Ukrainian Youth visualized the future of Ukraine as a member-state of the EU and NATO, calling on the Alliance to make Ukraine join in.  

Youth of Ukraine calls on NATO to give Ukraine membership in the Alliance 

Our youth has always been the driver of changes in Ukraine.This was the chief message of Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, at the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.“Since early Ukrainian independence, since the times of the Granite Revolution, the Orange Revolution, and the Revolution of Dignity young people of Ukraine were the major locomotives of changes in”, - she stated.Ms Kondratiuk stressed that the Ukrainians enjoy a unique chance: it was only yesterday when the European Commission adopted a very important decision giving us the opportunity to join the EU before 2029.“Just imagine the magnitude of changes that we have all attained in these years, in 33 years of Ukrainian independence. I remember when we were just young politicians. I remember when Arseniy Yatsenyuk was elected the Speaker of our Parliament. It was the time when communists were still present as one of the factions in our Parliament. It seems like yesterday and yet it is a tremendous distance we’ve conquered. And this process accelerates day by day,” – she mentioned.Olena Kondratiuk also stressed that joining the EU and NATO is our common strategic agenda.“The European Union is the very space, the very system of values, the democracy system that we have to live in and abide by. The Alliance means security and the opportunity for all of us to stop this blasted war”, - she underlined.Youth Kyiv Security Forum is the leading platform to engage young leaders into discussion of national security issues and international relations. &nbsp;

Our youth has always been the driver of changes in Ukraine.

Olena Kondratiuk: Our strategic objective is joining the EU and NATO 

Because of war-incurred losses, Ukraine must accelerate its GDP growth, and human capital is required to attain this objective.This was the major idea of Kyrylo Kryvolap, Head of the Center for Economic Recovery, at the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.“Before the full scale-invasion, the State Budget of Ukraine, including its Pension Fund and public expenses, amounted to around $80 billion. Currently, for the country to function in a proper way, the budget requires additional funds to cover social expenses, army-related expenses and reconstruction needs”, - he said.“The minimum to fund the war budget is at least $100 billion. To this purpose, the GDP must be around $300 billion, well above the pre-war $200 billion. This basically means that our GDP should be doubled”, - Mr Kryvolap emphasized.According to him, to reach this level it is necessary, first and foremost, bring back the currently lost human capital to Ukraine.“Many people migrated because of war. To double our GDP, we need at least 3,5 - 4,5 million workers, and this is the number of people that may potentially come back from abroad. We must revisit our migration policies, resolve issues in labor migration and multiple passports. This means that we need to make Ukraine attractive for human labor force”, - the expert argues.“Another approach is focus on stepping up production and investment, rather than looking for these currently unavailable 3 million people. Here, the rule of law and security issues get the paramount attention”, - he concluded.Youth Kyiv Security Forum is a major platform to engage young leaders into discussions of national security issues and international relations agenda. &nbsp;

Because of war-incurred losses, Ukraine must accelerate its GDP growth, and human capital is required to attain this objective.

Ukraine must double its GDP to operate at full swing, - Head of the Center for Economic Recovery

Ukraine is at the doorstep of gaining the EU membership. This offers our country a lot of new opportunities while at the same time requires high-quality human resources.These were the words of Ivan Nagornyak, Associate Partner at CIVITTA Consulting, at the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.“Today, Ukraine enjoys this window of opportunities. I believe that the generation present here in this very hall is the very generation to live in Ukraine that is the EU member-state”, - he said.“We have conducted a number of research studies and I can tell you that this process includes several dimensions. The first one is the political dimension. It is the most important one, as all the EU member-states must vote to accept a new member-country”, - Mr Nagornyak stressed.On the other hand, there is a legal dimension, Ukrainian experts must possess specific knowledge of rules and regulations existing and operating in the EU. It is of crucial importance that youth of today supports this process, and new people should join the government and top level authorities. &nbsp;“Economic revival is yet another issue. The EU here must become the major counterpart for Ukraine. This process requires deep knowledge of project managing techniques, and experts must engage in team-work to develop and implement such projects, - Mr Nagornyak concluded. &nbsp;Youth Kyiv Security Forum is a major platform to engage young leaders into discussions of national security issues and international relations agenda. &nbsp;

Ukraine is at the doorstep of gaining the EU membership. This offers our country a lot of new opportunities while at the same time requires high-quality human resources.

Ukraine enjoys a unique window of opportunity through its accession to the EU

Ukrainian cities are facing now a huge deficit of labor force, in particular, expert project managers capable of assisting Ukraine’s reconstruction.This was the prominent message of Mykhailyna Skoryk, Member of the Irpin City Council, Deputy Mayor Bucha city council (2022-2023), at the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.“Irpin is still in the process of recovering. Some 40 multi-story apartment buildings were completely ruined. Restructuring has not started yet as funds are absent. Apart from funds, we do need project managers capable of assisting municipal authorities, inviting donors to negotiate terms of engagement, cooperating with large international companies and attracting funds to rebuild the town”, - Ms Skoryk mentioned.According to her, Kyiv region is in a pitiful state after just one month of occupation, so it’s hard to imagine the scope of ruination and misery in Kherson or Kharkiv regions that find themselves under daily and nightly attacks, shelling, and heavy bombardment.“So, there is a huge demand for efficient and qighly &nbsp;qualified managers. And it is our generation that is expected to engage not only at the Euro-integration level, but at municipalities level as well”, - Mykhailyna Skoryk is certain.She also mentioned that early in the invasion she was in charge of Bucha municipal council digitalization and “smart city” development. So, with the war at the doorstep, her colleagues and she had to revive the town left with electricity, gas, or water supply: “This is what we were left with after russian army occupation”.“There are many young people today who speak English and work in municipalities, they negotiate directly with foreign donors. Their wages, alas, are incompatible to those in business, but they invest their knowledge into country’s development. We also register more and more people coming back from Poland or Germany and engaging in restructuring and rebuilding efforts of their hometowns. This is very important as well as positive, this gives us hope and inspiration”, - she concluded.Youth Kyiv Security Forum is the leading platform to engage young leaders into discussion of national security issues and international relations agenda. &nbsp;

Ukrainian cities are facing now a huge deficit of labor force, in particular, expert project managers capable of assisting Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Young people should become the engines of Ukrainian cities reconstruction, - Mykhailyna Skoryk 

Ukraine must be the world’s example in how to heal social wounds.This was the focus of address by Kristina Hook, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council to the audience of the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.“Instead of having fear, one has to be decisive. One has to understand where threats come from, and comprehend clearly that Russia is interested in unhealed social wounds of yours. Therefore, you should become the leaders in Ukrainian social healing and social reconstruction”, - she addressed the Forum participants.According to the expert, traumas must be approached from scientific and medical standpoints.Medically speaking, trauma is moral and psychologic damage, often having physical consequences. It is a wound, and even more sometimes.“This is different from any stress. So we can think of stress as a bruise, and of trauma as an break, like a briken bone”. – Kristina Hook explained.Such trauma breeds new needs, new aspirations like justice, safety, communication, vindication, opportunities to change something.“All of the above must be present in communities you serve and protect”, - she emphasized.Of utmost importance is assistance in rehabilitation, especially for people with physical issues.“And I trust this is the work to be done by your generation. This is the sphere where you should put in all your efforts and serve the shining example not only for your home country, but for the entire world, - the expert summed up.Youth Kyiv Security Forum is the leading platform to engage young leaders into discussion of national security issues and international relations agenda. &nbsp;

Ukraine must be the world’s example in how to heal social wounds.

Kristina Hook: russia is interested in unhealed social wounds and traumas of Ukrainians  

Despite the third year of a full-scale war, Ukraine continues implementing its reform agenda necessary for accession to the European Union.This was the key message of Katarina Mathernova, Ambassador of European Union to Ukraine, at the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.“Ukraine is on the right track and is much closer to the EU today than one year ago”, - she said. &nbsp;“Our latest report records progress across the board, except for one very specific area. There is no backsliding. An what makes this report remarkable is the recognition of the fact that while waging existential was for national sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom, Ukraine also transforms itself”, - Ambassador emphasized.She also added that progress is never linear, but there is a clear determination to join the EU, and do very difficult and sometimes even painful reforms approaching the country to the EU membership.“I’ve seen the “shadow” reports from various organizations touching upon sensitive issues like fighting corruption. This process is not a closed one yet in Ukraine. And I’d like to call on you; please keep up this good work”, - Katarina Methernova said.“Digitalization, security, economic potential are among important assets to join the EU. But the fundamental aspect of it is the people. People of Ukraine share the European values. And this is the fundamental vector that moves them on. We see shifting changes, we see landslide changes in appreciation of values. Naturally, there are problems and issues. There are whole cities destroyed, communities of people dislocated. But perseverance, determination and the very spirit of Ukrainians will make the country succeed”, - Ambassador Mathernova concluded.Youth Kyiv Security Forum is the leading platform to engage young leaders into discussion of national security issues and international relations agenda. &nbsp;

Despite the third year of a full-scale war, Ukraine continues implementing its reform agenda necessary for accession to the European Union.

Ukraine is closer to the EU on than one year ago, - EU Ambassador 

Ukraine will become a reliable ally in the Alliance.This was emphasized by Peter Hauge Berg, Deputy Head of the NATO Representation to Ukraine at the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.This was his major comment of the address to the NATO Secretary General as drawn by the Forum young participants.Peter Hauge Berg stressed that he disagrees with just one statement in the address to the NATO Secretary General. Namely, the phrase of the address authors that “we will become reliable partners”.“I believe that you will become more allies than partners”, - he underlined.Deputy Head of the NATO Representation to Ukraine also mentioned that the country can bring something to the table.“Who would have thought it that the modern world war would be in trenches but with drones? And you produce drones on kitchen tables all over Ukraine at a speed of relevance and bring them to the frontline as fast as you can”, - he emphasized.The big defence industries in the United States and Europe could not do that, whereas Ukrainians made it happen.“This is impressive. You do this on top of the war waged for two and a half years. And this speaks volumes of what Ukraine really is”, - Peter Hauge Berg stressed.Youth Kyiv Security Forum is the leading platform to engage young leaders into discussion of national security issues and international relations agenda. &nbsp;

Ukraine will become a reliable ally in the Alliance.

Ukraine will become a reliable ally within NATO, - Deputy Head of the NATO Representation to Ukraine 

States of the West must support Ukraine as strongly as the wave of russian aggression against Ukraine is.These were the words of Francesco Pesce, Charge d`Affaires of the Embassy of Italy to Ukraine, at the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum, organized bt the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.“This current war is unprecedented in terms of its aggression unseen since World War II. We imposed sanctions, and as the war wages on, we take a lot of additional measures to support Ukraine. Aggression against Ukraine continues, and support must continue as well”, – Charge d’Affairs Pesce emphasized.He also argued that he takes pride in the work done by the G7 countries. The G7 sees Ukraine as their top priority today.“We are successfully interacting now with all G7 allies who are united in their support of Ukraine at the national leaders’ level, and at the ministerial level. Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, hosted G7 Ministers in Kyiv this February marking the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion and this serves yet another mighty signal of our support to Ukraine, – Charge d’Affairs added.Among positive outcomes of such work he mentioned Euro 50 billion windfall tax given to Ukraine from the frozen russian assets.Youth Kyiv Security Forum is the leading platform to engage young leaders into discussion of national security issues and international relations agenda. &nbsp;

States of the West must support Ukraine as strongly as the wave of russian aggression against Ukraine is.

Unprecedented aggression demands unprecedented support to backlash – Italian diplomat 

Ukraine’s NATO membership will mean that a long-lasting peace can be enjoyed by all Europe.This was the message of Danylo Lubkivsky, Director of the Kyiv Security Forum, at the 10th Youth Kyiv Security Forum.“We live under threat of a mortal danger. Ukraine is democracy that had to become militarized. Hence, a rather cumbersome notion has appeared – a militarized democracy. We must be democracy that has to defend itself,” - he stated.Director Lubkivsky also emphasized that our victory and our survival depend on our ability to defend ourselves.“There are two major issues here. Ukraine’s NATO membership means ending this war. And it is Ukraine’s NATO membership that will mean ascertaining the long-term peace in Europe, and returning to civilized rules of international co-existence,” – he argued.“Ukraine’s EU membership means our ability to become a successful, advanced, well-off, and free state,” – KSF Director underlined.“Since 2007, from the moment when the Kyiv Security Forum was founded by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, the KSF Team remained one of the most devoted advocates of Ukraine’s NATO and the EU memberships. This is the dream we have, and it is to attain this dream that we hold these Forums,” - Danylo Lubkivsky summed up.Youth Kyiv Security Forum is the leading platform to attract young leaders to discuss issues of national security and international relations agenda. &nbsp;

Ukraine’s NATO membership will mean that a long-lasting peace can be enjoyed by all Europe.