Anatoliy Petrenko: Russian aggression is a threat not only for Ukraine but for the entire world order as well

"Over the past years Russia has managed to destroy everything on which until recently the system of international security was based. That’s why it is possible to say that its’ current aggression is directed not only against Ukraine, but against the entire world order,” – said  Anatoliy Petrenko representative of   the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine during the 9th Kyiv Security Forum, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk  Open Ukraine Foundation.

"It is the second year that we organize this forum in conditions of an undeclared war not only against Ukraine, but against all the democracies in the world. It is also held on the eve of the NATO Summit in Warsaw, which will determine the further development of the European security architecture. It would be useful to examine why the previous efforts of the international community have not been successful in the prevention of the threats that we face today,” – said Anatoliy Petrenko.

“We remember the Bucharest NATO Summit that was followed by events in Georgia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and subsequently by the application of Croatia and Albania for accession to NATO. And every time it was said that should one should not trigger the aggressor.

We also remember that the reaction of NATO and the OSCE was disproportionate to the threats. Moreover, the EU, with France at presidency for that period, wanted to appease the aggressor, and that caused serious harm to the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Georgia.

We were the next. Our commitment to the Euro-Atlantic integration has led to the annexation of the Crimea and the war in Donbas.

Overall, over the past years Russia has managed to destroy everything on which until recently the system of international security was based. That’s why it is possible to say that its’ current aggression is directed not only against

Ukraine, but against the entire world order,” – said the representative of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Keeping the aforementioned in mind, Anatoliy Petrenko noted that today there is an urgent need to understand that Russia is a threat to international security system, which can only be stopped by means of use of force against it and with the help of relevant political decisions.

In addition, he said that Ukraine not only enjoys international assistance, but also makes a significant contribution to international peace.

“There is much being done to restore the armed forces, which today have become a very strong defense force. We have 250,000 soldiers who are professionals of international level. We carry out reform of national defense complying with the standards of NATO, and the reform will be continued in future. And nowadays we are open to cooperation in regard to international security,” – said the militaryman.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

The annual international event Kyiv Security Forum launched by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007 is a platform for debate on the most pressing security issues in Europe and the Black Sea Region.

Internet broadcast of the Forum:

9th Kyiv Security Forum (Ukrainian):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4bx8DXN4wk

9th KYIV SECURITY FORUM (ENGLISH)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEG5fdmhG2g