Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna has called for accelerating the pace of military assistance to Ukraine. She made this statement during a speech at a panel discussion in Berlin in preparation for the Munich Security Conference.

"Every day of delay in decision-making takes lives of our people, takes lives of Ukrainians and destroys my country. Therefore, whatever steps could be taken must be taken now," Olha Stefanishyna emphasized.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted the high level of support Ukraine was receiving from the EU and NATO member states. At the same time, going beyond the transatlantic dimension is a difficult task for Ukraine, as the country has only recently embarked on building sustainable relations with other countries. In this context, she emphasized the importance of support from partners in establishing these relations.

"On February 24, 2022, the President of Ukraine became, first of all, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. And every (foreign) leader who makes decisions regarding Ukraine, in particular on strengthening military support, must also remember that he is not only the President, the leader of a certain political force. He has to make these decisions as the commander-in-chief of his country's armed forces, for the sake of his country's security, for the protection of our shared way of life. And, unfortunately, this war has clearly shown that strengthening the defense capabilities and military potential of Ukraine and other countries is necessary and vital for this," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

During the event in Berlin, the Munich Security Policy Report was presented, which is published annually before the Munich Security Conference and serves as the basis for discussions at the event. It was announced that the main theme of this year's Conference will be a rethinking of the current international order, which should result in a positive vision of a more peaceful and prosperous world.

In this context, Olha Stefanishyna emphasized that the Peace Formula proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should become an important element for discussions on updating and rethinking the global security architecture.

Background Information 

The Munich Conference is the world's leading forum on international security. This year's conference will be held on February 17-19, 2023.