Yalta European Strategy 2024: A Path to Peace, Sovereignty, and Ukraine’s Euro-Integration
In Kyiv, the 21st annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference took place, bringing together over 800 participants from more than 30 countries worldwide.
The main focus of this year’s forum was a discussion on how to end the war and ensure Ukraine’s security and independence.
The event gathered politicians, diplomats, economists, military personnel, and experts who engaged in panel dialogues about the country’s future and its integration into the European community.
Victor Pinchuk, founder and chairman of YES, emphasized that ending the war must be based on justice, paving the way for full euro-integration and restoring national territorial integrity.
He called on international partners to support Ukraine in achieving the fastest possible path to EU membership, contingent upon rigorous internal reforms.
He also expressed confidence that temporarily occupied territories will eventually return under Ukrainian control, highlighting the weakness of the Russian economy and the Kremlin’s exhaustion due to prolonged war, which inflicts tremendous human and material losses.
Key issues discussed included sanctions against Russia and the possibility of strengthening military support for Ukraine from the global community.
The businessman and philanthropist stressed that only strong worldwide pressure, especially from leaders like the U.S.
President Donald Trump, could persuade Moscow to enter serious negotiations and end the conflict.
He urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue Ukraine’s historic mission—defending and strengthening the country’s independence, sovereignty, and integration with Europe.
He pointed out that Ukraine now has a unique opportunity to complete its path as an independent state, joining the European Union and receiving reliable security guarantees—steps essential for the country’s stable development and prosperity.