1st Day Summary
“For many in the world, Ukraine is not just a country in Europe that is defending itself against Russian aggression. For many, Ukraine is now a personal moral choice. A choice of what is really valuable to them”, the powerful words of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at the annual meeting of Yalta European Strategy (YES), "The Future Is Being Decided in Ukraine", organized by YES in partnership with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.
Ukraine is now at the centre of history, by which I mean the war in Ukraine is the most consequential in human history. The future of the entire democratic world depends on Ukraine's victory in the war against Russian aggression, stated Victor Pinchuk, founder of the Yalta European Strategy (YES).
On July 14, the Yalta European Strategy (YES) members of the Board held its annual meeting in Kyiv. During the visit they discussed the results of the NATO summit, what Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion means for Europe, the West and the world and how YES and its upcoming 18th Annual Meeting, planned for September 8-9, 2023, can contribute to the strengthening of international support for Ukraine in defense against Russian aggression.
On 3 April 2023, 70th US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo joined the public discussion “US Support For Ukraine - What Must Be Done and Why It Matters” organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Yalta European Strategy (YES). The participants in the meeting discussed effective means for Ukraine’s response to Russia’s brutal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian leading opinion makers, experts, politicians, civil society, media representatives and Ukrainian students were among the participants of the event.
On 24 February 2023, the Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Yalta European Strategy (YES) held a discussion “One Year in History: 24 Feb 2022-24 Feb 2023” during the Informal YES Gathering One Year - Stay in Fight dedicated to the first anniversary of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Speakers reflected on the year into the war and lessons that should be learned.
On 24 February 2023, the Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Yalta European Strategy (YES) held a discussion “Stay in the fight - Next Steps” on the occasion of the informal gathering One Year - Stay in Fight dedicated to the first anniversary of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Speakers discussed the next steps that Ukraine and its Western allies need to take to ensure Kyiv’s victory on the battlefield and rebuild the country.
On 24 February 2023, the Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Yalta European Strategy (YES) held a discussion “What Do We Fight For? Shared Goals and Differences” on the occasion of the informal gathering One Year - Stay in Fight dedicated to the first anniversary of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Speakers discussed Ukraine’s fight for freedom and independence, and what needs to be done to make sure Kyiv wins this war this year.