Hanna Hopko, founder of the  National Interests Advocacy Network ANTS and co-founder of ICUV, together with Olena Halushka, Chair of the Board of ICUV and a Board Member of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, spoke during a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) in Brussels.

During the discussion, the experts called on Europe to take more decisive and strategic action in the field of common security and defence, emphasizing that Ukraine today is not only defending itself, but is effectively defending Europe and preparing it for future security challenges.

Modern warfare is evolving faster than traditional defence systems can adapt. European countries must therefore study and integrate Ukraine’s battlefield experience, technologies, and innovations. Ukraine has already gained unique combat experience and is ready to share it. Ukrainian technologies and solutions are born directly on the battlefield, where the speed of adaptation determines survival. Europe must stop relying exclusively on the United States and begin building a common security architecture together with Ukraine.

During her speech, Hanna Hopko also stressed that “Trump needs the cards Ukraine holds.”

Trump, who previously blamed Ukraine and discredited our President and our nation, is no longer a mediator. He is helping the Russian economy instead of imposing sanctions. He is helping Russia survive, and in fact, he has chosen the wrong side. Ukraine is not only defending Europe today — Ukraine is helping Europe prepare for the security challenges of tomorrow. And my appeal to you, Members of Parliament, is this: start preparing your societies, because resilience is not only about military readiness, it is also about public understanding of threats.

Hanna Hopko, founder of the  National Interests Advocacy Network ANTS. and co-founder of ICUV

The issue of using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defence and strengthen European security remained a key topic throughout the discussion. Olena Halushka emphasized that Europe has sufficient resources, but still fails to use them strategically.

Assets of the Central Bank of Russia can finance Ukraine’s defence and long-term reconstruction, increase defence production in Europe, and reduce the burden on European taxpayers. If Europe is serious about strategic autonomy, then Russian money should finance our shared security.

Olena Halushka, Chair of the Board of ICUV and a Board Member of the Anti-Corruption Action Center