“The future of Ukraine, as well as Moldova and Georgia in terms of security but also in terms of European integration depends now almost fully on Ukraine’s victory in the war against Russia. Successful reforms in these countries won’t stop Russia from attacking its neighbors.
But there are still people in some countries who are not able to say that they want to see Ukrainian victory. And still believe that a victory is not possible. But the goal defines the means. If you have the goal to win, you get and mobilize the means for Ukraine to win.”

Leo Litra, Senior Fellow of the New Europe Center, participated in the panel discussion “The Impact of the Russian Aggression on Neighbouring Countries – Civil Society‘s Expectations from the EU” during the conference “Ukraine and US: What Does the Russian Aggression Mean for Europe?” in Berlin, Germany on October 11, 2023.

The expert also presented the results of the fifth Candidate Check monitoring that evaluates Ukraine`s implementation of the EU recommendations.

Key messages from the Ukrainian speaker:

• In the context of the security of neighbouring countries, unfortunately, history is giving us a lesson that if you behave well it doesn’t mean that Russia won’t annex your territory. This is above all directed to Georgia. Now, when it comes to Moldova, I see that in Ukraine there are thoughts that Moldova has the right moment to fix the Transnistrian issue. I am not sure if it is realistic because I don’t think Moldova has the capacity and courage to fix this conflict in the way that some people in Ukraine are calling for. That is to enter Transnistria and take control of its territory.
• I see the approach persisting in DC and in Berlin – “Let’s boil the frog slowly”. That means without creating any shakes on the front and having to think multiple times before sending something to Ukraine. And then we’ll think about reconstruction after everything is destroyed.
• Millions of Ukrainians left their country. We want these people back because Ukraine cannot achieve economic growth and be less dependent on the support of other countries without these people.
• The top question for Ukraine is getting the russian money work for Ukrainian security. Billions of russian dollars and euros frozen in the G7 countries must work for Ukrainian defense.
• We need NATO. What is the sense of doing the reforms if there won`t be security? It is important to have security to take care of reforms.
• Ukraine can do reforms despite the war. And not only regarding EU recommendations but the others transformation.

Organizer – Liberal Modernity, Germany.