Statement YES board in Dnipro, February 16, 2022

Since our organization's founding in 2004, YES has always supported Ukraine’s European future.

Right now, Ukraine is facing a grave threat on its border - a threat that poses imminent peril not only to Ukraine's right to self-determination, but to the future endurance of global democracy.

Through united and resolute engagement, Ukraine's international partners must help defend both Ukraine’s territorial integrity and their democratic values. At the same time, it is important that Ukraine’s leadership maintain and strengthen the unity of the country. 

Today in Dnipro, we call on all Western nations to join us in recognizing these irrefutable truths:

• Ukraine is a sovereign state, and has a right to self-determination.
• Ukrainians have the right to choose their own future. 
• Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be defended and protected with full determination.

Here at YES, we believe that, in the future, Ukraine can be a beacon of freedom, democracy, tolerance, rule of law, and peace.

We also believe that the West has a responsibility to support Ukraine in every possible way.

To be sure, throughout this international crisis, the West has, for the most part, been strong and united in their support of Ukraine. Great efforts have indeed been undertaken.

But now, we are calling on the West to make it clear - explicitly and forcefully - that no escalation or threat against Ukraine will go unmatched. Also, it is necessary to step up Western support of Ukraine’s economy to counter destabilizing efforts. 

This is a decisive moment for Europe, the West, and for democratic nations across the world.

In order to prevail, the West must show renewed determination and resolve in their defense of global democratic principles by standing in solidarity with Ukraine. 

At this critical turning point, nothing less will do.

Aleksander Kwaśniewski, President of Poland (1995-2005), Chairman of the YES Board;

Kersti Kaljulaid, President of Estonia (2016-2021), United Nations Secretary-General's Global Advocate for Every Woman Every Child;

Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden (2006-2014), Prime Minister of Sweden (1991-1994);

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Founder of Rasmussen Global, Secretary General of NATO (2009-2014), Prime Minister of Denmark (2001-2009);

Stephane Fouks, Vice President of Havas Group, Executive Co-Chairman of Havas Worldwide;

Wolfgang Ischinger, Ambassador, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Senior Professor, Hertie School of Governance;

Victor Pinchuk, Founder and Member of the Board, YES and Founder of the Victor Pinchuk Foundation and EastOne group.