Ukraine in the New World Order: Yuliya Tychkivska, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Kyiv, participated in the international Aspen Dialogue

The voice of Ukraine in the world must resonate not as a plea but as a reason: our security is Europe’s security, and our reconstruction is a new opportunity for the global economy. This voice must be heard.

At the invitation of the Aspen Institute Romania, Yuliya Tychkivska, Executive Director of the Aspen Kyiv, participated in the international Aspen Dialogue on “The power of unity in turbulent times.”

Below are the key points of Yuliya Tychkivska’s speech:

Security and the New World Order

Pragmatic interests and the logic of hyper-transactional diplomacy increasingly drive global politics. At the same time, strategic European security is impossible without Ukraine, and it is critically essential for European countries to recognize this and invest in strengthening the defense capabilities and resilience of the European community. Such resilience is not only about developing military capabilities but also about implementing strong humanitarian strategies. It is also essential to acknowledge that Ukraine remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, making humanitarian demining an urgent and long-term task.

Economy and Resilience

Despite the war, Ukrainian businesses continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience. At the same time, partner support remains vital for the stability of the country’s budget sector. The long-term sustainability of Ukraine’s economy will determine its future development and growth. The defense and miltech sectors could become the new foundation for Ukraine’s economic advancement. In January 2025, drone production in Ukraine increased tenfold compared to January 2024. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the country can produce up to 4 million drones annually, opening new opportunities for the national market and international cooperation.

Reconstruction and International Support

The idea of Making Russia Pay is gaining new relevance: Russia’s frozen assets, amounting to over $300 billion, must be allocated to rebuilding the infrastructure destroyed by Russia. This is not just a matter of financial resources but also of justice and accountability. The U.S. and the EU must play a key role in this process.

Social Challenges and the Future of the Social Contract

War is reshaping not only the geopolitical landscape but also the internal structure of the country. Ukrainian society is exhausted but continues to resist. Special attention must be given to rethinking the social contract, ensuring it considers the interests of veterans, who, after the war, will become a key social group influencing political and economic processes. Since 2022, Aspen Institute Kyiv has been actively working on this issue, facilitating stakeholder dialogues to engage as many people as possible in the discussion.

The panel discussion “Rebuilding Ukraine” also attended:

• Florin Marian Spataru, State Counselor, Government of Romania, ex-Minister of Economy / Aspen Seminar alumnus.
• Alfredo Durante Mangoni, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy.
• Ihor Prokopchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine.
• Victor Cirile, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova.

We are grateful to our partners for the opportunity to express essential thoughts to an international audience.