Opening remarks of Ambassador of Ukraine to Romania
H.E. Ihor PROKOPCHUK at the Plenary Session “Perspectives for peace” of the 12^th edition of the Aspen-GMF Bucharest Forum

(Cercul Militar, November 9, 2023)

Excellencies,

Distinguished participants of the Forum,

Dear Cosmin (Moderator – Mr. Cosmin STAN, PRO-TV),

I am truly honoured to have the floor in the first working session of the 12^th edition of the Aspen-GMF Bucharest Forum.

I sincerely thank the organisers for placing the spotlight of this year’s forum onto multiple aspects and consequences of the war of aggression which Russia continues to wage against my country - Ukraine. I trust the debates that will follow within the next two days will produce important insights and ideas that could help us tackle different challenges more effectively.

The title and focus of the current session – Perspectives for Peace – is of crucial significance for my country, the region, Europe and the world. I appreciate it that this session is joined by such distinguished panelists from both sides of the Atlantic.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly emphasised there is no other country or international actor that wants peace more than Ukraine does. Ukraine did not want this war, it was treacherously attacked becoming a victim of unprovoked aggression.

Today marks the 624^th day of the full-scale war of russia against independent and sovereign Ukrainian state. The war of a genocidal nature.

The period of challenges and hardships in the extreme as Ukrainians have encountered inhumane brutality and atrocities of russian occupiers. Tens of thousands of killed and wounded. Over 10 million displaced persons. Destroyed cities and villages. Deliberate shelling of civilian infrastructure and residential areas. Blackouts and terrible ecological disasters. Forcibly deported Ukrainian women and children.

As was correctly put before, based on facts of Russian invasion: if Ukraine stops fighting – it will disappear, if Russia stops fighting and pulls back – the war will end. So far, the Russian regime has not displayed a change of its original strategic objective of destroying Ukraine. It is also clear that the Russian regime has expansionist ambitions stretching further into Europe beyond Ukraine.

It is in such environment that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented his tailored and well-structured vision for peace - the Peace Formula. The comprehensive 10-points plan to ensure just, stable and lasting peace.

President Zelenskyy proposed his Peace Formula at G7 Summit (Indonesia) in November 2022. Since then, ever larger number of countries that respect the cornerstone principles of independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of states have been joining that initiative.

Let me recall that the UN General Assembly Resolution “Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”, adopted on February 23, 2023 – exactly one year after the beginning of the full-scale war by russia – was supported by 141 nations from all parts of the globe.

Provisions of that resolution captured the points of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, in particular restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, withdrawal of russian troops, restoration of justice, preventing escalation and repetition of aggression. The Peace Formula is of universal character and is about preventing such wars in the future.

As we look at the perspectives for peace it is essential to, first - fully rally around Ukraine’s plan and, second - make systematic steps towards its implementation. A number of practical measures relating to the Peace Formula were discussed recently at the third meeting of national security and foreign policy advisors that took place in Malta. Representatives of 66 countries and international organisations took part.

Dear friends,

While we aspire for a just and lasting peace, this peace must be won in the ongoing fierce battles.

To win it is critically important to achieve:

• first and foremost, a radical increase in the capabilities of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. It is necessary to procure the necessary weapons, including air defence systems and fighter jets, heavy weaponry and ammunition. Hardware and ammunition must arrive as soon as possible;
• second, sanctions pressure on russia must be implemented 100% and be further stepped up in relation to different sectors of economy of the terrorist state. Notably, restrictive measures are needed against russian nuclear industry;
• third, Ukraine’s rapid progress to achieving full-fledged membership in the EU and NATO. Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine has made unprecedented steps in reforms and implementing all recommendations provided by the European Commission. We very much look forward to beginning of the accession talks by the end of 2023. We do expect that the long-awaited decision with regard to Ukraine’s membership will be adopted at the upcoming Washington NATO Summit in 2024.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Ukraine is fighting to defend freedom, democracy and values of Europe.

As we contemplate perspectives for peace, it remains absolutely necessary to stand firmly with Ukraine and help it defeat the Russian aggression to prevent its further expansion to other parts of Europe.

Before concluding, I would like to reiterate our gratitude to all our allies and friends for their support. I would like express a particular appreciation to Romania and the Romanian people. We highly value the assurances, on high political level and among public and business circles, that Romania will stay with Ukraine as long as is necessary until the full victory.

Thank you for attention.