ICUV, together with its partners ANTS, held a forum dedicated to the 12th anniversary of the beginning of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The forum “From the Invasion of Crimea to the War in Europe: How to Defeat Russian Imperialism?” brought together experts, public figures, and international partners.

Russian aggression began on February 19, 2014, with the invasion of Crimea. It was the first time the world witnessed an open violation of international law — the occupation of the peninsula. What started as the seizure of Crimea has since escalated into a 12-year war and later a full-scale invasion and genocidal campaign against the Ukrainian people.

The forum took place on symbolic dates that connect two historic events: the Revolution of Dignity, marking Ukraine’s civilizational choice for Europe, and the beginning of Russia’s armed aggression.

The West’s insufficient and untimely response, as well as the underestimation of Russian imperialism, led to the escalation of the war. At the same time, it was Ukrainian society that became the driving force of resistance. Today, Ukraine’s victory is a key condition for Europe’s security, the stability of the international order, and peace for future generations.

The event brought together leading experts, diplomats, and civil society leaders to address the key question: how to defeat Russian imperialism and build a long-term security strategy for Ukraine and Europe.

The forum was opened by:

• Nataliya Digdalovych, Chair of the Public Organization “Family of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred,” wife of Heavenly Hundred Hero Andriy Digdalovych
• Larysa Ivshyna, Editor-in-Chief of the nationwide newspaper Den
• Katarina Maternova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Ukraine
• Alim Aliev, Deputy Director General of the Ukrainian Institute

Moderator: Hanna Hopko, Chair of the Board of the ANTS Network for the Protection of National Interests

12 years ago, when Russia attacked Crimea, that was the moment the war began, and at the time we did not fully understand that the world should view these events not just as a threat, but as the beginning of a full-scale war.

Katarina Maternova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Ukraine

The first panel, “12 Years of War: The Price of Freedom on the Path to Victory,” focused on Ukraine’s long-standing struggle against Russian aggression and the price the Ukrainian people pay for their freedom.

• Volodymyr Viatrovych, Member of Parliament of Ukraine (IX convocation), Head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory (2014–2019)
• Yan “McGregor” Klishaiev, Chair of the All-Ukrainian Association “Veterans Corps”
• Andrii Mikheiev, International Law Expert, International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV)
• Yulia Kyrychenko, Board Member of the Center for Political and Legal Reforms (CPPR), Head of Constitutional Law Projects, Co-Chair of the Reanimation Package of Reforms Council
• Lyubov Tsybulska, Founder and First Director of the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security, Board Member of the International Renaissance Foundation

Moderator: Larysa Voloshyna, writer, poet, journalist

What is happening with the prisoners also has a genocidal nature. Russia and its authorities are deliberately trying to kill, maim, or remove from civilian life the most active, politically engaged, and economically capable part of Ukraine’s society — the very foundation of its future.

Andrii Mikheiev, International Law Expert, International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV)

The second panel, “Responding to the Country’s Challenges During the War: Building a Dignified Future for Ukraine,” focused on how much Ukrainians have already done to defend their country, as well as the key demands and decisions that international partners must take to achieve victory together.

• Oleksandr Khara, Director of the Centre of Defence Strategies
• Lyubov Shypovych, Head of the Dignitas Foundation
• Anatoliy Tkachuk, Director of Science and Development, NGO “Institute of Civil Society”
• Olena Halushka, Co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV)

Moderator: Serhiy Stukanov, Ukrainian journalist, radio host, and publicist

This is a war of survival — a war of resources. The side that runs out of resources will break first….Ukraine has untapped potential in developing joint defense enterprises and technologies, and we have built a strong competitive advantage over the past four years through active participation in the war. Our partners, not being fully engaged, are missing opportunities to grow, but together we can develop, expand joint production, and offer a lot to our partners, who are just as interested in cooperating with us as we are with them.

Olena Halushka, Co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV)

Peace agreements without real security guarantees only pave the way for new invasions, and the wars of 2014 and 2022 were a direct consequence of the absence of such guarantees. The forum emphasized that Ukraine needs decisive measures that will lead to the complete collapse of Russia’s economy and the defeat of the aggressor.

If security guarantees had existed, there would have been no invasion in 2014, when Ukraine gave up the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal. If security guarantees had existed, there would not have been a full-scale invasion in 2022. If security guarantees had existed, Russia would have been defeated long ago.

Hanna Hopko, Chair of the Board of the ANTS Network for the Protection of National Interests