Victor Pinchuk: Only Ukraine's victory can restrain the global escalation of the war

The more military support Ukraine receives, the greater its chance of victory and, thus, the lower the risk of escalation, believes Victor Pinchuk, founder and member of the Board of Yalta European Strategy (YES), businessman and philanthropist.

“If Russia succeeds in Ukraine, China, North Korea, and Iran are more likely to do something against Taiwan, South Korea, and Israel. All the world will be drawn into the war. The more military support for Ukraine, the lower the risk of escalation, a NATO–Russia war, and the global domino of wars against democracy,” said Victor Pinchuk in his welcoming speech at the 20th YES Annual Meeting, “THE NECESSITY TO WIN”, organised by YES in partnership with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.

He also noted that calls by some Western politicians to take into account the risk of escalation of the war with Russia regarding the supply of weapons are a success of Russian propaganda. “Western leaders, concerned about escalation, are doing less than what is needed for Ukraine to win. They impose restrictions on how weapons can be used. This is self-deterrence," — Victor Pinchuk stated. 

According to him, in the war against Russia, Ukraine is defending not only its independence, but also all the fundamentals and values that are the basis of the world order. Therefore, in order to win, the West must see Ukraine as an equal partner and provide it with the necessary arms.

“The West must see this as a partnership with Ukrainians. In this partnership, the West doesn't give lives; only Ukrainians do. So at least give weapons as much as necessary, as quickly as you physically can, and without any restrictions or limitations”, he noted.

He also emphasised that Ukraine and the civilised world cannot afford to lose this war, as it would mean the end of all Ukrainian.

"To win or not to be. This is not a question; it is a terrible, brutal dilemma for Ukraine, for Europe, for the entire civilized world. It has to be under the skin of all leaders. To win or not to be," concluded Victor Pinchuk.

The partners of the event were: Google, Kyivstar and The International Renaissance Foundation.

More news about the 20th YES Annual Meeting may be found on our website at: https://yes-ukraine.org/  

Photos are available here and on the website  yes-ukraine.org/ua/photo-and-video  

Videos from the panel discussions and conversations will be available here www.youtube.com/@PinchukFoundation