Ukraine is now acting not only as a recipient of international assistance, but also as a source of experience, innovation, and leadership in the field of security. This was stated by the Chair of the European Union Military Committee, General Seán Clancy, during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum on the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is There Light Ahead?”
“Ukraine is at the center of many global challenges — from nuclear security to countering disinformation — and acts not only as a recipient of assistance, but also as a source of experience, innovation, and leadership,” he said.
According to Clancy, Ukraine has demonstrated “an exceptional ability to adapt, scaling up the use of drones, autonomous systems, and commercial technologies, while simultaneously strengthening digital resilience, military medicine, and logistics.” He emphasized that even in the most difficult conditions, Ukraine maintains a special spirit of resilience:
“Ukrainians do not have the luxury of fear — they are busy adapting and finding solutions.”
Clancy noted that despite the large-scale war, destruction, and losses, Ukraine is demonstrating “a light of courage under fire, resilience under pressure, and innovation under constraints.”
He stressed that Ukrainian society and the state continue to function and develop even under extremely difficult conditions.
“We have all seen it: a country that was predicted to fall within days has stood for years. An army that has adapted at astonishing speed, integrating new technologies in real time. A society that continues to function, create, and innovate,” the general said.
Clancy emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine has become a “strategic wake-up call” for Europe.
“The illusion that large-scale war would not return to our continent has been shattered. Security is no longer theoretical. It has become immediate, tangible, and shared,” he said. The Chair of the EU Military Committee stressed that Ukraine’s security is directly linked to the security of all of Europe: “Because Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. This is not just an act of solidarity. It is a statement of reality.”
At the same time, the general stressed the need to maintain unity and long-term support for Ukraine.
“Is there light ahead? Absolutely. But not by chance and not through waiting. It comes through effort, unity, and commitment,” he said.
Clancy assured that the European Union’s support for Ukraine will remain unwavering:
“The European Union will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
