“Don’t let pressuring Ukraine to go into potential concessions to undermine its geopolitical trajectory towards NATO and the EU.” These comments come from UWC President Paul Grod during a panel discussion with Ukrainian and global security experts titled “Ukraine: The Real View” on February 2nd, 2022. Following the discussion, Grod and the panel of experts identified 5 strategic steps for counteracting Russian aggression in Ukraine.
“Putin seeks to use the current situation to obtain concessions from Ukraine that would call into question its geopolitical course towards the EU and NATO. We must keep pressuring Ukraine to not make any concessions,” said Paul Grod, UWC President. “Firmly defend Ukraine’s position – this should be the first step in countering the aggressor.”
Peter Dickinson, Editor-in-Chief of Ukraine Alert, noted that Ukrainian society has become more sensitive to disinformation. In addition to further strengthening information security, he noted the importance of providing Ukraine with weapons for protection. “Arm Ukraine! Give Ukraine defensive weapons, particularly the desperately-needed anti-aircraft capabilities.”
Lieutenant General Ben Hodges (retired), Head of Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), emphasized the importance of Germany’s role in the war in Eastern Ukraine. He advised that efforts should be focused on Germany’s determination to support Ukraine. “… Got to get Germany to act more decisively. Germany is the key to have a meaningful diplomatic pressure on Russia”. – Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges.
In his speech, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin stated that “Putin wants to impose his vision of the Minsk agreements on Ukraine, so the world must be vigilant. If Ukraine is under threat, then all other countries of the region will be under threat as well. Protect Ukraine!”
“The world has to keep unity to deter and stop the Russian aggression,” said Orysia Lutsevych, Head of the Ukrainian Forum within the Russia and Eurasia program at Chatham House.
The panelists concluded their discussion with five key takeaways:
- To strongly defend Ukraine’s strategic policy towards joining the EU and NATO.
- To join forces with Ukraine in defending against Russian aggression.
- Strengthen ties within the democratic world against Russian threats.
- Strengthen Germany’s leadership role in defending Ukraine against Russia.
- Joint International efforts to support Ukraine.
Watch the video discussion below:
