Today, Ukraine needs its partners to continue to support it, increase pressure on the aggressor and enhance the Ukrainian economy. This was emphasised by Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, during the panel discussion Ukraine: The Road Ahead at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The discussion brought together President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland Radosław Sikorski.
"For economic growth, we need effective security guarantees through NATO membership and arms supplies. This is what can really unlock significant investments. Their importance does not even require explanation. Currently, we finance all military expenditures independently from taxes and fees paid by businesses. That is why the more active the private sector is, the more resources we have to fight the enemy," emphasised Yuliia Svyrydenko on the importance of strengthening the capabilities of the Ukrainian economy.
Yuliia Svyrydenko also called for stepping up pressure on russia by extending sanctions, blocking the russian shadow fleet and withdrawing global companies from the russian market.
"Today, the private sector has no less power than world leaders to influence the global order. The withdrawal of global companies from the russian market is no less damaging to the russian economy than sanctions imposed by partner countries," said Yuliia Svyrydenko.
According to the First Deputy Prime Minister, the key objective now is to strengthen Ukraine to the maximum extent possible and to weaken russia to the maximum extent possible.
"The only possible way to a just and lasting peace is the peace through strength approach," summed up Yuliia Svyrydenko.