Address by Admiral Sir Antony David Radakin,

Chief of the Defence Staff, United
Kingdom to Kyiv Security Forum

May 8, 2025

I am extremely saddened by not being able to attend this Security Forum today in
person. These days, I participate in commemorative events to remind all what we
gained 80 years ago. That was a heroic fight, we fought shoulder-to-shoulder, and everyone demonstrated their bravery and courage. Our predecessors fought to preserve our freedom and overcome fascism. That was a great victory, and we still enjoy the gains of those years.

And here I’d like to pinpoint what is important – it is what Ukraine is now doing for
us all. The fighting waged by your people is the embodiment of the very moral and
intellectual strength and Intelligibility that we all admire. This fight that we witness
gives rise to broad discussion across the whole world and primarily across Europe
stressing that we should cherish, protect and maintain the freedoms gained 80 years ago. This is not about things past. This is our modern reality. And it is Ukraine that is at the forefront today, demonstrating us all the importance of safeguarding these freedoms and what happens when these freedoms are attacked, and what it means to fight for their preservation.

And this brings me to the next issue. The UK will continue to support Ukraine in
future. To support Ukraine in its current battle. Both the UK and France remain ready to undertake any opportunity to assure ceasefire to assist Ukraine to benefit from this opportunity, to sustain it and multiply it, to assist Ukraine in ascertaining its road to peace, well-being and maintaining its invaluable freedoms. And this, in turn, requires a durable support to Ukraine and its Armed Forces, so that the certainty in support remains, and you are well-braced to deter the aggressor and retaliate against.

So, once again, I am terribly sorry for not being here with you today in person, and
I’d like to emphasize the importance of this Forum, and the importance of the role
Ukraine plays in galvanizing all the mentioned discussion. It is extremely important
today, when we remember the freedoms attained 80 years ago. These freedoms remain of utmost importance, and we ought to safeguard and protect them, and when it comes to fighting for them – plunge ahead to their defence, both today and in future.

I wish your Forum every success!