News

<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="100%" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P_jbXYOyACQ?si=z0H9RTvBKjK0vsxm" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Address by Radmila Shekerinska NATO Deputy Secretary General to the Kyiv Security Forum 8 May 2025Dear friends! It is a privilege to share with you today NATO's message of solidarity and support for Ukraine.I have seen the face of courage. It is the face of the Ukrainian veterans I have met. They embody the unbreakable spirit of a proud nation. When the Russian onslaught began, these brave soldiers did not falter, and Ukraine did not fall. The men and women of this country have served with bravery, strength and determination.It is important to remember their service and their sacrifice. It is also important to remember the resilience of the civilian population. They continue to suffer as a result of Russia's war of aggression.Terror from the skies targets civilians, destroying homes, schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure.&nbsp;We will not forget the deadly missile attack on Kyiv last month. We will not forget the strike on Sumy on Palm Sunday. And we will not forget the hundreds of thousands killed or wounded throughout Russia's brutal war. Ukraine's people have endured so much. They deserve real peace, real safety and real security.At this critical moment, there should be no doubt: NATO stands with Ukraine. We stood with you from the beginning. We stand with you today. And we will stand with you throughout the challenges ahead. NATO allies and partners have provided unprecedented military support to Ukraine, including critical air defences, as well as essential financial and humanitarian aid. NATO will continue to help Ukraine so that it can defend itself today and deter any future aggression. Our commitment is clear and concrete.I have been to NATO's command in Germany and have seen how it is leading the coordination of security assistance and training for Ukraine. I was there when the first ever joint NATO-Ukraine organization opened its doors in Poland. The Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre will help us all learn the lessons from the war.&nbsp;NATO allies are continuing to step up for Ukraine. In the first three months of 2025, they have already pledged more than 20 billion euros in security assistance for Ukraine. Many allies, including through the efforts led by France and the United Kingdom, have shown that they are ready, willing and able to take more responsibility and to help secure peace when the time comes.Eighty years ago today, World War II ended in Europe. This Victory in Europe Day let us not only honour the sacrifices of the past, but also the courage and endurance of all Ukrainians facing war today. They deserve once again to live in peace, one that is just and lasting. Thank you!

Address by Radmila Shekerinska
NATO Deputy Secretary General
to the Kyiv Security Forum

Address by
Radmila Shekerinska
NATO Deputy Secretary General

<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="100%" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ayiUQ5DTJyU?si=ipR6kmaGCtKwir5q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>📍 On May 8-9, 2025, the 17th annual Kyiv Security Forum will be held in Ukraine’s capital by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.The title of the Forum is "UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR".This year's Forum is dedicated to two symbolic dates: the 80th anniversary of the Victory in World War II and the 40th anniversary of Europe Day as an official holiday of the European Union.These milestones hold a particular significance in light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.The key topics of the Forum:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - How to stop the Russian aggressor?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - How to achieve a just peace for Ukraine and the world?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - How to prevent the Third World War?The two-day event will feature discussions with high representatives of the Governments, Defense Ministries and General Staffs of partner countries, the international intelligence community, as well as prominent international figures, high level Ukrainian and foreign officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, intellectuals, security and foreign policy experts, and civil society activists.The Kyiv Security Forum, founded by Arseniy Yatsenyuk's Open Ukraine Foundation, is the main platform of our country for discussing issues of war and peace, national and global security.The Kyiv Security Forum partners: NATO, The Atlantic Council, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, CEPA, IndeX, Impact.The live broadcast will start at 10:00 a.m., May 8, on the media platforms of the KSF and our media partners:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/ksfopenukraine">Kyiv Security Forum Facebook page;&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/OpenUkraineFund">Open Ukraine Foundation Facebook page</a>;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ksf.openukraine.org/">Kyiv Security Forum website;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@KyivSecurityForum">Kyiv Security Forum YouTube channel;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenUkraine">Open Ukraine Foundation YouTube channel;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@YatsenyukOrgUaofficial">Arseniy Yatsenyuk YouTube channel;&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/yatsenyuk.arseniy">Arseniy Yatsenyuk Facebook page.</a>&nbsp;Media partners of the Kyiv Security Forum: Espreso, Censor.net, NV, The Cipher Brief, Gazeta.ua, Іnterfax-Ukraine, Glavkom, Defense Express, Day, Grnt Media, Ukraine Media Center, Gordon, TVA, UkraineWorld, Ukraine Crisis Media Center.Official hashtags: #KSF #KSF2025<figure class="image"><img src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/6e4102d8_fcf9_46fb_83de_faec1d6ce442_59c53c90c3.jpg" alt="6e4102d8-fcf9-46fb-83de-faec1d6ce442.jpg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_6e4102d8_fcf9_46fb_83de_faec1d6ce442_59c53c90c3.jpg 245w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_6e4102d8_fcf9_46fb_83de_faec1d6ce442_59c53c90c3.jpg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_6e4102d8_fcf9_46fb_83de_faec1d6ce442_59c53c90c3.jpg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_6e4102d8_fcf9_46fb_83de_faec1d6ce442_59c53c90c3.jpg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>

📍 On May 8-9, 2025, the 17th annual Kyiv Security Forum will be held in Ukraine’s capital by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

LIVE The 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum on May 8-9 “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”

Address by Elina ValtonenMinister for Foreign Affairs of Finland to the Kyiv Security ForumExcellencies, dear participants of the Kyiv Security Forum, dear friends!&nbsp;It gives me great pleasure to be able to address this very important forum and its audience. Unfortunately, I'm not able to be physically together with you in Kyiv, but next time.Dear Ukrainians, rest assured, Finland stands firmly with Ukraine. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Finland has provided political, humanitarian, economic and military support. And we will continue to do so for as long as needed.History has also taught us that international cooperation for peace is not a choice, but a necessity. For us, and for the whole of Europe, this is not only about solidarity. This is about defending the foundations of our rules-based order, and the principles that our democracy lays on. Moreover, this is about the values we share — freedom, human rights, and the right for each country to decide for their own future. These are also the values Finland was built on and which guided us through tough times.Dear friends, day after day, Ukraine has shown its real willingness and commitment for peace. Unlike Russia, that has shown no readiness for a ceasefire nor for peace, quite the opposite. With deep sorrow and sadness, I have followed the reports of Russia's continuous offensives and air attacks. Russia has continued its merciless strikes against Ukrainian cities and residential areas, despite talks about peace. Deliberately targeting civilians, including children, is something that can’t even be called warfare. It is beyond cruel and a war crime. It should be easy for anyone to believe and understand that. President Zelenskyy has said, no one wants peace more than Ukrainians.Ukraine is fighting for its own independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. It is fighting for the safety of Europe and for the freedom of us all. The future of the whole international rules-based system is at stake. Ukraine and Ukrainians deserve all the support we, together with partners, can possibly give.Esteemed audience, this year Finland is chairing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Supporting Ukraine is at the heart of the OSCE's work during our chairpersonship. In the past, Finland has been able to contribute to promoting peace, both on our own continent, in Europe, as well as globally. This legacy obliges my country to continue the good work. It is in the interest of all of us to have a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. In the absence of it, there won't be stability in Europe.Today, as we celebrate Europe Day, it is good to remember that the people of Ukraine have clearly expressed their desire to be part of Europe, which they are. The future of Europe and its people is within the European family. Ukraine has Finland's full support on its EU path. Thank you so very much.

Address by Elina Valtonen Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland to the Kyiv Security Forum

Expanding sanctions against Russia, European community unity, EU readiness to counter Russian threats, as well as extension of industrial defence cooperation among Ukraine and European partners have become the top discussion issues of Arseniy Yatsenyuk, the Kyiv Security Forum Founder and Chairman, Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014-2016 and Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space.Their conversation took place at the 17 th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFETA THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.Speaking about unity, Arseniy Yatsenyuk argued that at least two heads of the EU member states governments or European countries plan participating in the Moscow Parade on May 9 at the backdrop of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.“These are Hungary and the Slovak Republic. Something is obviously terribly wrong there. Our Forum’s motto is “Unite Again”. Hence, the question, Commissioner, is whether Europe is indeed united? If there are two countries that can veto sanctions against Putin rollover, since we discuss expansion of sanctions, and these countries have their own say when it comes to Ukraine joining the EU. What is the vision of the European Commission?", - the KSF Founder enquired.The Commissioner responded by suggesting that in future Euro-community may face deeper problems still.“Issues relating to decision-making process in the EU necessitate consensus, in particular, defense matters or external policies. This is the way the EU Agreements are formulated. Nowadays, in-depth discussions take place in the EU. A conference on the EU future was held. One of the key messages and conclusions thereof was the proposal to drop the requirement of the complete and total consensus when taking decisions, and adopt them by simple majority. Those disagreeing may vote against. In any case, a democratic majority must be capable of adopting a decision”, - Andrius Kubilius believes.At the same time he pinpointed attention to “the current defence crisis that we have”.“It is quite possible that a governance crisis ensues prompting us to reach long- awaited necessary decisions”, - the Commissioner claimed.Andrius Kubilius also argued that the EU is fully cognizant of threats and challenges proving that before 2030 Russia will be ready to commit aggression against the European states.“Hence, we need to get ready through our own efforts and cooperation within NATO and the EU, and step up our defence capabilities. This is a short-term perspective … We must have a clear plan to brace up ourselves in corcordance with our partners”, - he said.

Expanding sanctions against Russia, European community unity, EU readiness to
counter Russian threats, as well as extension of industrial defence cooperation among Ukraine and European partners have become the top discussion issues of Arseniy Yatsenyuk, the Kyiv Security Forum Founder and Chairman, Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014-2016 and Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space

Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Andrius Kubilius: Our Joint Assignment Today is to
Celebrate the Next Victory Day Here when Ukraine Prevails

Timothy Snyder: Kremlin’s Ideological Slander Surround both the Second World War and the Current Russia’s invasion to UkraineThe world should utilize correct benchmarks to maintain its memory and remember the central place of Ukraine in the battle for resources.The world should utilize correct benchmarks to maintain its memory and remember the central place of Ukraine in the battle for resources.The world should utilize correct benchmarks to maintain its memory and remember the central place of Ukraine in the battle for resources.The world should utilize correct benchmarks to maintain its memory and remember the central place of Ukraine in the battle for resources.The world should utilize correct benchmarks to maintain its memory and remember the central place of Ukraine in the battle for resources.The world should utilize correct benchmarks to maintain its memory and <o:p></o:p>remember the central place of Ukraine in the battle for resources.<o:p></o:p>This was the chief message of Prof. Timothy Snyder, Chair in Modern European <o:p></o:p>History, University Toronto, Professor of History at Yale University, in his video <o:p></o:p>Address at the 17th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO <o:p></o:p>DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk <o:p></o:p>Foundation “Open Ukraine”.<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="100%" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgd7uuF4NB0?si=gmUAEp4bdGqKGOIz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><o:p></o:p>“Current Russian invasion into Ukraine is the very reason for us to recollect the <o:p></o:p>evils of the Second World War. This is the reason to remember about Ukraine’s <o:p></o:p>central position. This is the reason to recollect the battle for resources. This is the <o:p></o:p>reason to recollect the history of ideological lies surrounding both invasions <o:p></o:p>(Russia’s invasion to Ukraine in 2022 – ed.)”, - he said.<o:p></o:p>Professor Snyder also stressed that the reason for the Second World War in Europe <o:p></o:p>was exactly the battle for Ukraine: “When Germany attacked the Soviet Union in <o:p></o:p>1941, which was one of the major events in the Second World War, the principal <o:p></o:p>military objective for the Germans was control over Ukraine”.<o:p></o:p>Professor Timothy Snyder also pointed out the substantial contribution of the <o:p></o:p>Ukrainians into victory in the Second World War and emphasized the militant <o:p></o:p>Kremlin’s attempts to re-write history.<o:p></o:p>“In Russia, in Kremlin there are people willing to use the Second World War not <o:p></o:p>as a reason to remind people what is wrong with fascism, but as a reason to revive <o:p></o:p>fascism. There are also those who consider the German invasion in 1941 the reason <o:p></o:p>to excuse the invasion to Ukraine in 2022, and earlier in 2014”, - he stressed.<o:p></o:p>At the same time, Professor Snyder emphasized the unique historic opportunity <o:p></o:p>presenting itself.<o:p></o:p>“Considering the fact that Ukraine was playing a central role in security of the <o:p></o:p>whole region not only today or in the previous century, but across the more <o:p></o:p>extended timeframes, we should consider Ukraine’s state sovereignty and <o:p></o:p>Ukrainian capacity to defend themselves as yet another cornerstone within the <o:p></o:p>European project. Nowadays, the European project is threatened from all sides, but <o:p></o:p>it holds firm and ought to have its bright and shining future. But this future must be <o:p></o:p>fully liaised with the existence of the mentioned Ukrainian cornerstone”, - Timothy <o:p></o:p>Snyder mentioned.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>

The world should utilize correct benchmarks to maintain its memory and remember the central place of Ukraine in the battle for resources

Timothy Snyder: Kremlin’s Ideological Slander Surround both the Second World War and the Current Russia’s invasion to Ukraine 

Decision on Ukraine irreversibly moving towards NATO has been adopted by the Allies, it is now necessary to understand when discussion is renewed.This was the statement by Olha Stefanishyna, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Minister of Justice of Ukraine at the 17 th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.<figure class="image"><img alt="Snapseed (4) (2).jpeg" src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Snapseed_4_2_ac801f0ba4.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Snapseed_4_2_ac801f0ba4.jpeg 236w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Snapseed_4_2_ac801f0ba4.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Snapseed_4_2_ac801f0ba4.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Snapseed_4_2_ac801f0ba4.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>“Talking about Ukraine’s membership in NATO you won’t get either “yes” or “no” from us, or indeed any other messages. It is because back in July 2024 all NATO Allies, including the USA, the EU states … - all recognized that there was no alternative to Ukraine’s NATO membership. This decision was adopted by consensus, it was published, it is an official NATO document. This formula sounds as follows: “Ukraine’s NATO membership is irreversible. To change this, you need to another consensus on the matter, - Vice Prime Minister stressed.According to her, Ukraine believes “that there will come a moment in history when we have to clearly state when such a decision (about NATO – ed.) is to be adopted, and in what way, and what security guarantees for Ukraine will be like”.“And we believe that this decision is adopted by the Allies, and now is the time for the question when we return to this discussion”, - Olha Stefanishyna added.

Decision on Ukraine irreversibly moving towards NATO has been adopted by the Allies, it is now necessary to understand when discussion is renewed

Olha Stefanishyna: Decision on Irreversibility of Ukraine’s road to NATO Membership has been approved by the Allies

From Ukraine’s hard-learned experience, European countries have understood the need to develop their own defensive and offensive capabilities, forces and means. This was the message shared by Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, in her online address at the 17 th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="100%" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pGCNx5LDJO8?si=V17Z3B4s7UImOjRD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“We understand perfectly well the importance of learning from your experience to be able to respond to new threats, to act and adapt quickly and innovatively. Same applies to deterring cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns,” she noted. According to Henna Virkkunen, Europe needs “a strong defense as a foundation for long-term investments in securing our future.”“We need to develop both defensive and offensive capabilities, forces and means. And we have learned this from the hard-learned experience of Ukraine,” she concluded.The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation, is the main platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

From Ukraine’s hard-learned experience, European countries have understood the
need to develop their own defensive and offensive capabilities, forces and means

EC Vice-President Virkkunen: The situation in Ukraine confirms the need for the EU to develop its own defensive and offensive capabilities

US support is essential to ensuring that Ukraine’s neighboring countries remain free from external interference and aggression.Michael Lawler, US Congressman, emphasized this idea in his video address at the 17 th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.“Supporting Ukraine, we not only defend it, but also protect Moldova and other democratic countries near the front line from external aggressors. Moldova, like Ukraine, faces significant pressure from destructive forces seeking to undermine its sovereignty and development. Our support is vital to ensuring that these nations remain free from external interference and aggression,” he said.<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="100%" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W2LMRl32-Pg?si=fXiH3oeGGNtx3Axw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Michael Lawler also noted that the United States must continue to stand firm in defending security in the region.“Strengthening the transatlantic partnership is not just a diplomatic effort, but real steps towards strengthening security cooperation, expanding economic ties, and countering aggressors so that their attempts to destabilize democracies in Eastern Europe are defeated,” he emphasized.In his opinion, strategic investment into energy infrastructure, cybersecurity, and rare earth minerals not only help deter foreign influence but enforce US security and resilience of global supply chains as well.“The United States must play a leading role in designing approaches to extraction and protection of these resources. For example, the recently signed agreement on minerals between the United States and Ukraine is an important step in ensuring access to strategic resources that strengthen global supply chains, create jobs, and support stability in the region. This agreement is a constituent part of a broader initiative to prevent hostile external forces from gaining a foothold in this important region. Our support is not only about assistance, but also about safeguarding American interests, sovereignty, and long-term stability jointly with our European allies,” concluded Michael Lawler.The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation, is a major platform in this country discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

US support is essential to ensuring that Ukraine’s neighboring countries remain
free from external interference and aggression

US Congressman Michael Lawler: Supporting Ukraine means protecting
neighbor states as well

Ukraine defending not only itself against Russian aggression, but fundamental principles of the European Union, will always enjoy support of the European community.These theses were voiced by Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, European Parliament Member (MEP) in her video address at the 17 th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR”, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.According to her, modern Europe was built on the pledge “never again”. This idea was embodied in the new vision of the European continent - built on cooperation, rule of law and mutual respect: “Peace is not granted or offered on a silver plate. It needs to be built, protected and updated every day,” Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann emphasized.The MP also stressed that since 2022, the European Union and its member states have already provided Ukraine with over 50 billion euros in military, humanitarian, financial and political assistance. However, in her opinion, this is not enough.“Our commitments must go further - Ukraine must become a constituent component of European defense, its industrial and technological ecosystem. It is not only about procurement, but also about joint innovations, NATO standards and modern defense industry development,” the politician noted.She also emphasized that Ukraine is already demonstrating advanced combat technologies, highly qualified engineers and strategic foresight from which Europe can learn from.“Support for Ukraine must not be by words alone. We must keep the EU door open - and move forward. “Joining the European Union is not a gift, it is a recognition of common values,” the MP emphasized.At the same time, she added: “Our most powerful weaponry includes not tanks or sanctions, but unity, justice and determination. We must not only support Ukraine - we must stand by Ukraine politically, militarily, economically and morally. An independent and secure Ukraine is the prerequisite for peace, security and identity of Europe.”The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation, is the major platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

Ukraine defending not only itself against Russian aggression, but fundamental
principles of the European Union, will always enjoy support of the European
community

Peace is not offered on a silver plate; it must be defended every day - MEP

Relationships between NATO and Ukraine are stronger today than ever before, and Kyiv is closer to the Alliance than ever before.That was the key message of Patrick Turner, Senior Representative and Head of the NATO Representation in Ukraine, at the 17 th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR", organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.<figure class="image"><img alt="8T5A0655.jpeg" src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/8_T5_A0655_912793c661.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_8_T5_A0655_912793c661.jpeg 234w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_8_T5_A0655_912793c661.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_8_T5_A0655_912793c661.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_8_T5_A0655_912793c661.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>“NATO clearly supports Ukraine and will continue to do so for many years to come. And relationships between NATO and Ukraine are stronger today than ever before. We want to work together to strengthen further our relationship. Today, Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before,” he said.Patrick Turner recalled that last year NATO’s security assistance to Ukraine amounted to more than 50 billion euros. It was on the par with the funds Ukraine itself spent on its security in 2024.“This year, over the first three month, the Allies pledged yet another 20 billion euros in security assistance. Soon enough, new pledges will be made and respective assistance disbursed. Massive volumes of assistance and support will be needed in the coming years. And we have every reason to be confident that this assistance will be delivered,” the Head of the NATO Representation in Ukraine emphasized.According to him, this is in the interests of NATO member states and Ukraine itself. Patrick Turner also stressed that NATO priorities, including those to be discussed at the Alliance summit in the Hague next month, include defense spending, defense industrial capabilities and Ukraine.The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation, is the major platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

Relationships between NATO and Ukraine are stronger today than ever before, and Kyiv is closer to the Alliance than ever before

NATO clearly supports Ukraine and will continue to do so - Head of the NATO
Representation in Ukraine

Finland and the US have always had good relations and have advocated joint defense, but the Finns do not rely on paper agreements only - in case of war they are ready to recruit 1 million to the army.MEP (Finland) Dr. Mika Aaltola stressed this idea at the 17 th Annual Kyiv Security Forum “UA: UNITE AGAIN TO DEFEAT THE GLOBAL AGGRESSOR", organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation "Open Ukraine".<figure class="image"><img alt="WhatsApp Image 2025-05-09 at 10.45.03.jpeg" src="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_10_45_03_4f56cf0694.jpeg" srcset="https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_10_45_03_4f56cf0694.jpeg 235w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/small_Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_10_45_03_4f56cf0694.jpeg 500w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/medium_Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_10_45_03_4f56cf0694.jpeg 750w, https://ksf-openukraine.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/large_Whats_App_Image_2025_05_09_at_10_45_03_4f56cf0694.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>“Finland and Washington have always had mutual relations, have always advocated joint defense. Finland has always been a friend of the United States, and I think this is the main message, and we believe in sovereignty of nations that are proud to take care of their own security,” he said.Mika Aaltola noted that his country cannot base its security only “on paper agreements.”“Finland has always relied on total defense. We are ready to mobilize the entire population and in case of war we can have a million people in our army, with the country’s population of 5.5 million,” the MEP emphasized.At the same time, Mika Aaltola expressed confidence that “Finland will be more difficult to overturn than anyone else.”The Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation, is the major platform in this country to discuss issues of war and peace, national and global security.

Finland and the US have always had good relations and have advocated joint defense, but the Finns do not rely on paper agreements only