Draft
REMARKS
by Ambassador of Ukraine to Romania H.E. Ihor PROKOPCHUK at the Vantarc Defence Forum
(12 May 2026)
Distinguished participants,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to thank the organizers for the opportunity to participate in the Vantarc Defence Forum held on the margins of the Black Sea Defense, Aerospace & Security Exhibition & Conference – BSDA 2026 — one of the most important defence and security platforms in our region.
Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally changed the security environment in Europe. It has destroyed long-standing illusions about security in Euro-Atlantic region, exposed the true nature of the kremlin regime, and accelerated processes that under normal circumstances would have taken many years. For decades, NATO's eastern flank and the Black Sea region was often perceived as Europe’s strategic periphery. Today, it has become one of the central spaces where the future security architecture of our continent is being shaped in real time.
Distinguished participants,
I want to emphasise what constitutes the biggest and immediate concern to Ukraine and its neighbours as well as countries far beyond – the ongoing unprovoked full-scale war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine which is now in its fifth year. From the first day of the all-out invasion Ukraine stands firm in defending its sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, as well as values of freedom and democracy for itself and all nations of Europe. It is clear to us that while this war is existential for Ukraine, its outcome will also bear a defining impact on the Black Sea region as well as European and Euro-Atlantic security architecture.
Failing to make decisive gains on the battlefield, the Russians have mounted a terror campaign against Ukrainian civilians targeting Ukrainian critical energy infrastructure. The past winter was the most difficult in this war when millions of civilians in Ukraine were left without electricity, water and heating in sub-zero temperatures for weeks. This terror and genocide were happening in the centre of Europe in the 21st century!
Although the low temperatures are now behind, russia continues to intimidate and terrorize Ukrainian civilians by massive attacks on a daily basis.
Dear friends,
Despite these challenges, one of the most important developments in our region this year was the official visit of President of Ukraine to Bucharest in March 2026 which resulted in a very fruitful high-level discussions. The signing by Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Nicuşor Dan of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and Romania, accompanied by a Framework Arrangement on Cooperation in the Energy Sector and a Joint Statement of Intent on the Co-Production of Defense Materiel in Romania, marks a bilateral relationship whose significance now extends beyond the two countries.
Highly important is the practical dimension of the agreements reached on 12 March. The energy arrangement outlines concrete steps to strengthen cross-border interconnections, including electricity transmission projects and the use of Ukraine’s gas storage capacities. In the current environment, where energy infrastructure remains a target of deliberate attacks, be it kinetic or cyber, such initiatives carry not only economic relevance but also contribute to regional resilience. Energy interconnectivity remains central to this process. The development of electricity interconnector “Porubne – Siret”, as well as the “Suceava–Chernivtsi” line, will become a significant investment in long-term resilience. By strengthening cross-border transmission capacity, such projects contribute to stability of national energy systems and reduce exposure to disruptions. For Ukraine these considerations are particularly urgent and pressing.
The strategic partnership between Ukraine and Romania is becoming an important component of the wider regional security architecture emerging in the Black Sea region. Romania today is no longer situated at the edge of Europe’s security debates. It is becoming a strategic hub — for logistics, energy connectivity, defence cooperation, reconstruction efforts and regional resilience.
At the same time, Ukraine is no longer viewed only as a country defending itself against aggression. Ukraine is becoming a major security and defence actor with unique military, technological and industrial experience. Currently, around 60 percent of the weapons used by Ukrainian defenders are produced in Ukraine. Our drone industry has expanded dramatically. Today, more than 95 percent of drones deployed on the battlefield are domestically produced. Ukraine has become a global leader in the practical application of drone warfare, electronic warfare systems, battlefield AI solutions and asymmetric military technologies.
At sea, Ukrainian forces have effectively denied Russia domination in large parts of the Black Sea. The Russian Black Sea Fleet, once considered untouchable, has been pushed away from the western part of the sea and forced to retreat from areas where it previously projected power with impunity.
Distinguished participants,
This experience has strategic significance not only for Ukraine, but for the entire region. Modern warfare is changing rapidly, and Ukraine today possesses practical expertise that is directly relevant for the future of European defence planning, defence production and military adaptation.
This is precisely why defence-industrial cooperation between Ukraine and Romania carries such importance. The Joint Statement on co-production of defence materiel signed by our Presidents in Bucharest opens entirely new perspective for bilateral cooperation. In particular, in the field of unmanned systems, defence technologies and industrial integration.
This cooperation should not be viewed only through the prism of supporting Ukraine during the war. It is an investment in long-term regional security. My country possesses combat-tested technologies, operational experience, engineering innovation and rapidly scalable production capabilities.
There is a potential to do more, particularly as part of the initiative «Build with Ukraine / Build in Ukraine». This includes joint efforts to secure funding, establish production and support innovation. We urge partners to increase an investment in weapon manufacturing in Ukraine, particularly long-range missiles and drones.
Dear friends,
Ukraine seeks peace more than anyone else. But peace cannot be built on weakness, hesitation or concessions to aggression. Lasting peace is possible only through strength, deterrence and strategic unity.
Ukraine has many times demonstrated its readiness for genuine peace efforts—peace that is sustainable, just, lasting and based on the norms of international law. We maintain a firm view that any ceasefire must not become a tool for manipulation or a pause for renewed Russia’s aggression. A just and lasting peace requires accountability, security guarantees, respect to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This is precisely why sustained political, military and economic support for Ukraine remains critically important.
Thank you for your attention.
Slava Ukraini!