Brussels, 21 May 2025, over 100 participants from 15 countries gathered at the European Parliament to discuss deepening defense cooperation and investment between Ukraine and Europe. The high-level forum was organized by We Build Ukraine think tank, the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV), the United for Ukraine Network, the ANTS network, and members of the European Parliament.

At a turning point for European defense policy, participants emphasized the urgency of leveraging Ukraine’s battlefield experience and accelerating joint defense production. The conference followed the launch of the EU’s ReArm Europe Plan, which envisions mobilizing over €800 billion for defense in the coming years, including €150 billion in new financial instruments and €650 billion in increased national defense spending across EU member states.

For the first time, the Ukrainian defense industry is being given equal status with the European one.

Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space

The conference featured three strategic panels and the main focus was on building a unified defense base based on Ukraine’s combat experience; strategic investments in defense industry innovation; and tools for strengthening the defense partnership between Ukraine and the EU.

Olena Halushka and Hanna Hopko joined the discussion during the third panel, dedicated to sustainable mechanisms for the use of frozen and confiscated Russian assets. The conversation focused on ensuring transparency, accountability, and a long-term strategic vision for Ukraine’s recovery.

Hanna Hopko, сo-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory, emphasized the urgency of courageous and uncompromising actions against the Russian military machine.

“We don’t need a 17th or 18th package of sanctions. What we need is full economic isolation of Russia.”

Hanna Hopko, Co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory

We are pleased to share the recordings of the panel discussions:

• Panel I: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1XYaQgvtTP/
• Panels II & III: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18o1TwmTrn
• You can also view and download photos from the event via this link:https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jwd27zcaoruognisqeik1/ABk_D61RTB8yT_5mNoaBW_8?rlkey=re0mjp01w5kgqv271zagad0tn&e=1&st=d9fcysty&dl=0

As a follow-up, we are also sharing the materials presented and discussed during the conference:

• Brief: EU Sanctions – Legal Nature and Discretion Over Their Duration and Renewalhttps://ukrainianvictory.org/publications/brief-eu-sanctions-legal-nature-and-discretion-over-their-duration-and-renewal/
• Brief: Ukraine Restitution and Reconstruction Bank (URRB)https://ukrainianvictory.org/publications/brief-ukraine-restitution-and-reconstruction-bank-urrb/
• Sky Shield Initiative https://proof.org.ua/projects/sky-shield/text-and-signatories/
• Judicial Selection with the Involvement of International Experts https://dejure.foundation/en/judicial-selection-with-the-involvement-of-international-experts/

We are grateful to our European allies who have joined Ukraine’s forward-looking strategy. The time has come for Europe to accept the challenge, confront the aggressor, and take real steps toward a secure future. This is an opportunity to unite and achieve a historic victory.