Panel VIIa was moderated by Mr. Robert E. HAMILTON, Head of Eurasia Research, Foreign Policy Research Institute, US Army War College, USA and was joined by Ms. Olga REZNIKOVA, Researcher, National Institute for Strategic Studies, Ukraine, Ms. Simona COJOCARU, State Secretary, Ministry of National Defence, Romania, Ms. Alice RUFO, Director General for International Relations and Strategy, Ministry of the Armed Forces, France, Lieutenant General (ret.) Ben HODGES, Chair, Future Security & Defence Council – GLOBSEC, Member of the International Advisory Board of the New Strategy Center, former Commander of US Army Europe, USA, General (Ret.) Sir James EVERARD, Honorary Chairman of International Consultative Board of New Strategy Center, former DSACEUR, UK, Ms. Maia OTARASHVILI, Eurasia Program Director, Foreign Policy Research Institute, USA and Mr. François HEISBOURG, Special Advisor, Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), France

Europe must step up its game and go beyond the current state of “self-deterrence.” The lesson from the previous pre-war era is that Western unity is crucial to preserving freedom, security, and civilization in Europe. That is why we must keep supporting Ukraine’s bid to obtain full NATO membership. Ukraine remains an example of failed deterrence. Allowing Ukraine to fail may result in direct conflict between NATO members and the Russian Federation, which should encourage us to step up our commitment to Ukraine.

Regarding Ukraine’s security guarantee before its NATO membership, it is essential to understand that a political agreement on security guarantees requires a precise mechanism for its practical implementation. Before Ukraine achieves NATO membership, the most relevant form of a security guarantee should be continued military support. After all, there is no other possibility of offering Ukraine a security guarantee but NATO membership. Even the very presence of Western troops in Ukraine will not amount to security guarantees.