The Ukrainian delegation participated for the fourth consecutive year in the Warsaw Security Forum, held on 29–30 September. This key platform brings together experts and leaders to discuss security issues, with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe. Over 2,000 participants from 90 countries attended the event.

Our team from the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV), in collaboration with colleagues from the ANTS Network for the Protection of National Interests and Euromaidan-Warsaw, and in partnership with the forum organizers at the Casimir Pulaski Foundation, was actively engaged throughout the Warsaw Security Forum.

It was important for us to use this platform to amplify Ukraine’s voice on the international stage and advance Ukraine’s interests, including several of our key advocacy campaigns:

• Ukraine’s victory as the key to Europe’s security;
• #MakeRussiaPay — using frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s defence;
• SkyShield for Ukraine — mobilising partners to create an aerial shield over parts of Ukraine;
• Strengthening sanctions against Russia and degrading its ability to finance the war machine;
• Accountability for the aggressor, pursuing justice for crimes committed and recognising Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as genocide.

Our large stand, “Mobilizing the World for Ukraine’s Victory,” drew significant attention. With the support of ISAR Ednannia, our team showcased both our own and partner analytical materials, screened the documentary “REAL” by renowned director Oleg Sentsov, filmed directly from the frontlines, and held meetings with international partners. Over the course of these two days, our team conducted a series of bilateral meetings and informal discussions with key officials and experts from multiple countries.

As part of the Forum’s main program, we hosted a high-level panel discussion titled “From Evidence to Accountability: Prosecuting Russia for Genocide Crimes.” Moderated by Hanna Hopko, the discussion brought together leading Ukrainian and international experts and civil society leaders, including Oleksandra Matviichuk, Bjorn Berge, Marko Mikkelson, Kajsa Ollongren, and Aleksandra Uznańska-Wiśniewska. Participants focused on the crucial importance of international justice for Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2022) and head of the Center for Civil Liberties, who documents Russian war crimes, emphasized that Russia has never been held accountable for its past atrocities. She highlighted that international justice is a crucial mechanism to hold Russia responsible, as unpunished wrongdoing only grows.

Ukrainians directly affected by Russian crimes also shared their testimonies. Yaroslav Bazylevych, who lost his wife and three daughters in a Russian strike on Lviv on 4 September 2024, spoke alongside Mariupol veterans and defenders Yevhen Malik and Vladyslav Zhayvoronok, who were held in Russian captivity. They called on the international community to remember the Ukrainian military and civilians still detained and tortured by Russia, many of whom remain inaccessible to international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. Meanwhile, Russia’s withdrawal from the International Convention against Torture signals the likelihood of even harsher treatment for Ukrainian prisoners. The witnesses urged international partners to transform their sympathy into concrete actions.

The focus of the Forum’s discussions remained on Ukraine’s struggle, the necessity of continued international support, and the importance of leveraging Ukrainian experience. Key Ukrainian speakers included President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who participated online, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that “this war [Ukraine’s] is also our war,” highlighting that the conflict is not only about solidarity with a sovereign nation under attack but also about the security and survival of Western civilization as a whole.

We emphasized that Europe’s security today is impossible without Ukraine. A key focus was the SkyShield initiative, aimed at creating an Integrated Air Defense Zone over western Ukrainian territories. During the meetings, we expressed our gratitude for the support and discussed the implementation of SkyShield with Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur and Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans.

Much attention was given to Ukraine’s key role and its contribution to the security of our European partners. Former UK Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace highlighted that long-range capabilities could help make Crimea unviable for Russia. It was evident that our partners’ understanding of the threat level has increased. Whereas a year ago, some participants at the same forum felt that Ukrainians were exaggerating when warning that Poland or the Baltic states could be next, this time the discussion reflected a shift: the concept of a “frontline country” is no longer as relevant, as Russian drones can strike anywhere, and the growing number of Russian hybrid operations know no borders.

At the Forum, key security and defense issues were also discussed, including the importance of developing defense industries, finding a balance between expensive precision equipment and faster, more cost-effective solutions, the need for legal and regulatory changes to enable quicker and more decisive actions, and blocking Russia’s oil revenues.

The overall theme of the Forum, “Divided we fall,” was rather pessimistic, yet it was balanced by the optimism expressed by our partners.

Despite the intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine and unprecedented pressure on European countries, our partners are convinced that Putin cannot intimidate them; his actions are having the opposite effect—fostering greater unity and resolute support for Ukraine.

Iryna Krasnoshtan, Program Director ICUV.

We thank all our partners for their support and solidarity. Together, we are doing everything to ensure Ukraine’s victory and make the world a safer place.