Without Ukraine, discussions on European security are impossible – Poroshenko following the Munich Conference
Member of Parliament of Ukraine and leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko said following the Munich Security Conference that discussions on Europe’s security situation without Ukraine are impossible.
“Both during the war, which must be stopped, and after the war, as the most powerful army on the continent – the Armed Forces of Ukraine – will remain a key factor for security on the continent,” he said in an interview with Polish broadcaster Slawa TV.
According to him, conference participants demonstrated a growing awareness of the risks associated with a potential reduction of the U.S. role in European security, while the dominant view in Munich was recognition of Ukraine’s key role in ensuring security on the continent.
“…if anyone raises the issue of the United States withdrawing from Europe, this would create a vacuum, and that vacuum would be filled. It would be filled by Russia through elements of hybrid warfare, support for radical left-wing and far-right regimes, and the use of democratic mechanisms to destroy democracy in Europe,” he stressed.
Poroshenko also underlined the importance of transatlantic unity.
“What unites us is not a shared history. What unites us is values. […] Therefore, the key result we must achieve is transatlantic unity,” he said.
The former president added that, in his view, Russia cannot be trusted.
“The only language Putin understands, and the one that can prevent further aggression, is the language of strength,” Poroshenko reiterated.
He noted that effective security guarantees for Ukraine require the presence of partner countries’ military contingents.
“What can stop a future attack by Putin? Not security guarantees if they are limited to weapons supplies, financing, and sanctions coordination. Security guarantees mean only one thing – boots on the ground. The presence of armed forces of partner countries on Ukrainian territory. This is the only thing that can stop Putin from attacking,” Poroshenko said.
Poroshenko also stressed that Ukraine’s accelerated accession to NATO remains relevant, and that allied support is essential during the transition period.