On the margins of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, the panel titled "Turning the Table: Ukraine as a Security Provider for Europe" was held as part of the "Allies in Ankara" programme, co-organised by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, the Munich Security Conference (MSC), and the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).
Tom Berendsen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, and Andrii Sybiha, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, participated in the panel session on "Turning the Table: Ukraine as a Security Provider for Europe," held at Ankara Palas.
Stressing the importance of rebalancing burden-sharing, Berendsen said they were increasing defence spending not because the United States wanted them to, but because they themselves recognised the need to do so.
"Russia continues to pose a major threat to Europe and NATO. Therefore, Ukraine’s fight is our fight," Berendsen said. Underlining the necessity of increased support for Ukraine and greater pressure on Russia, Berendsen said that the Netherlands is ready to assume responsibility for facilitating peace negotiations.
Call to increase support for Ukraine
Stenergard also pointed out that there is insufficient support for Ukraine, adding that further financial support is imperative. Stenergard stated that despite the Scandinavian countries comprising a minimal fraction of NATO's overall population, they contribute one-third of the assistance to Ukraine, adding, “If other nations matched our efforts, the war would have ended by now.”
Stenergard emphasised the significance of rebuilding Ukraine after the war in maintaining peace, and she reaffirmed the need for increased pressure on and sanctions against Russia.
Demand for security guarantees
Sybiha also said that Ukraine had struggled to secure support from its partners in the early months of the war, highlighting his country’s resilience. “It was a huge mistake that we did not fight when Crimea was occupied,” Sybiha said, describing the mistake as “historic”.
Sybiha stated, “We are ready for an unconditional ceasefire. We will never be an obstacle to peace. We want peace. We have viable proposals."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said that it would be unrealistic to expect the war to end without the US’ contribution to the process.
Sybiha said that if peace is achieved, the US must provide legally binding bilateral security guarantees, adding that if any development undermines peace, military support on the ground, Ukraine’s membership in the European Union, and the strengthening of the Ukrainian army as a deterrent would be critical.