The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, took part in the panel discussion "Horizons of Ukraine" within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The panel discussion also included the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda; the U.S. Special Representative for Economic Recovery in Ukraine, Penny Pritzker; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of Spain, Jose Manuel Albares Bueno; and the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren. The panel was moderated by Professor of History at Yale University, Timothy Snyder.
In response to questions about the lessons learned during the past two years of war, Andriy Yermak noted:
"Firstly, every frozen conflict leads to a new war. Secondly, there are no more local wars in the world. Every conflict, including the Russian war, is a global phenomenon that affects global security – food, environmental, etc. Thirdly, 'hacking' international organizations is one of the tools of war. This needs to be corrected. Solutions in the modern world need to be made quickly, and there must be corresponding effective mechanisms. If such mechanisms existed, we might have been able to avoid so many casualties in our war. Fourthly, conscious and responsible policies today should be based more on values than exclusively on interests. And finally: Russia will not stop on its own. For that to happen, Ukraine must win."
In response to Timothy Snyder's question about what needs to change in geopolitics for Ukraine to achieve military victory and what improvements are needed in Ukrainian politics and society to make this victory most significant, the Head of the Presidential Office emphasized the need for unity both among states and within the country.
Furthermore, according to Yermak, if Ukraine receives additional air defense means now, Ukrainian citizens will begin to return from other countries to their homeland.
"We are grateful to all our friends and partners for invaluable support over these two years. Thanks to our heroic soldiers and this support, we have liberated over 50% of our occupied territory, working on corridors for further export of our grain. We have proven that today it is possible to truly defend one's independence, values, and principles. And we are not tired. We are ready – it's just time to finish our job," said Andriy Yermak.
On his part, the President of Lithuania emphasized that Western countries need to set extremely clear goals for Ukraine, primarily focusing efforts on rapid military assistance. This also includes the need for significant economic support and backing Ukraine's political ambitions regarding future EU membership and NATO membership.
"The Ukrainians need our support – both economically and militarily. We should not speak of war fatigue," added the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren.
The moderator pointed out that the millions of Ukrainians forced to leave their homeland due to Russian military actions are indicative of genocide, as it leads to the depopulation of Ukraine. If they do not return, it means that Russia has achieved its genocidal goal.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of Spain, Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, emphasized the need to convey to Global South countries the understanding that the war in Ukraine concerns not only Europe but that if Russia prevails, it will impact the security of every country in the world.
The U.S. Special Representative for Economic Recovery in Ukraine, Penny Pritzker, noted that Ukraine has a unique opportunity for massive recovery. This includes talented and highly qualified personnel, high motivation of the population, a well-built system of state institutions, and a long path toward the EU and NATO.
According to Penny Pritzker, alongside long-term goals, certain aspects in Ukraine require rapid development. She emphasized the need for accelerated reforms and quick recovery, particularly in infrastructure, to ensure the realization of the country's export potential. Penny Pritzker specifically noted that Ukraine currently has one of the world's best e-governance tools, surpassing many Western counterparts.
"For Ukraine, the goal is also to bring back its citizens who are abroad and, together with the best experts, find legal mechanisms to use confiscated Russian assets for the country's reconstruction," added the U.S. Special Representative.
