Panel discussion during the Aspen Security Forum 2023: “What is next for Ukraine?”

On 18-21 July, the Aspen Institute (USA) organized the Aspen Security Forum in the United States, and during this event was organized a panel discussion titled “What is next for Ukraine?”. The global community is pooling efforts to support Ukraine and stand in solidarity in the struggle against Russian aggression and the disregard for international law. This discussion reflected the international community’s commitment to helping Ukraine and upholding the principles of international law in the face of ongoing challenges.

The panel discussion titled “What’s next for Ukraine??” featured the following participants:

• Andriy Yermak: Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
• Oleksandra Matviichuk: Head of the Center for Civil Liberties, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
• Colin Kahl: Senior Fellow at Stanford University and former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
• Philip Zelikow: Professor of History at the University of Virginia, affiliated with the Miller Center’s White Burkett Miller Center for Public Affairs.
• Moderator: Susan Glasser, staff writer for The New Yorker.

Here are some key points from the speakers:

Andriy Yermak: The peace plan presented by President Volodymyr Zelensky is not just about ending the war; it also addresses broader crises resulting from the war, such as food security, nuclear safety, ecology, and humanitarian issues. The plan aims to return all Ukrainian territories and the illegally deported people. This includes Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken to Russia and occupied territories.

Oleksandra Matviichuk: When the full-scale war began, democratic countries united their efforts to help Ukraine avoid defeat. However, the narrative has shifted to “Ukraine must win as soon as possible.” Ukraine is receiving diverse weapons to defend itself. Significant sanctions have been imposed against Russia, and Ukrainians are deeply grateful to their partners for this support.

Colin Kahl: The challenge in the counteroffensive is not the ability to launch attacks; Ukrainian forces have this capability. The challenge concerns the front lines’ proximity and dealing with minefields. Support will continue to help address these challenges and provide security assistance. Most of Ukraine’s fighting force has yet to be engaged in the counteroffensive. When Ukrainians find weak points in the Russian defense, it allows breakthroughs and advances.

Philip Zelikow: Ukraine lost 29% of its GDP last year, and more than a third of the population was forcibly displaced. Many Ukrainians have left the country and are still determining if they will ever return. There needs to be more civilian aviation, and the transportation system has regressed to 1950s standards. Ukraine is losing access to the sea. But the younger generation of Ukrainians who intend to build a new society is coming to the forefront. The world is uniting to support Ukraine.