Ukrainian-Romanian Symposium "Consequences of Russia’s Full-Scale Aggression Against Ukraine: Lessons for a New Security System on the Continent

July – September 2023: Ukrainian-Romanian Symposium "Consequences of Russia’s Full-Scale Aggression Against Ukraine: Lessons for a New Security System on the Continent"

From July to September 2023, the Union of Ukrainians in Romania, in partnership with the Charitable Foundation "Social Resources and Initiatives" and the NGO "Center for Political Narratives of Democracy", worked on organizing the Ukrainian-Romanian Symposium "Consequences of Russia’s Full-Scale Aggression Against Ukraine: Lessons for a New Security System on the Continent."

The Ukrainian-Romanian Symposium "Consequences of Russia’s Full-Scale Aggression Against Ukraine: Lessons for a New Security System on the Continent" took place on September 26 in Bucharest, Romania.

Leaders of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania, Members of the Romanian Parliament, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Romania Ihor Prokopchuk, as well as experts, academics, diplomats, and journalists participated in the symposium.

Key Discussion Topics:

1. Deconstructing Russian Neo-Imperialism: Mechanisms of International Law and Political Response
2. Ukrainian-Romanian Relations Amid Russian Aggression: Quo Vadis?

As part of the symposium, Yevhen Mahda, a well-known Ukrainian political expert and Associate Professor at the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute", presented the findings of his research: "The Russia-Ukraine War: 500 Days of Challenges and Changes." In his presentation, the expert clearly outlined the key lessons and consequences of 500 days of the Russia-Ukraine war, which are reflected both in international relations and in Ukraine’s domestic and foreign policy.

The symposium was moderated by Serhii Hakman, Vice President of the Charitable Foundation "Social Resources and Initiatives." In his remarks, he emphasized to the participants that international security relies on adherence to international law, which was completely violated by Russia in 2014. He also addressed:

• The historical development of the European collective security system during the interwar period
• How this security system should be restructured today
• The necessity of Ukraine’s accession to NATO

Hakman underlined that only the impossibility of Russia waging another war against Ukraine can guarantee peace in this part of Europe.

Discussions and conversations during the forum touched on various aspects of the war, including its impact on individual lives, particularly those of women and mothers.

Key themes included:

• Human-centeredness as the foundation of democracy
• Combating violence at all levels
• Strengthening resilience against informational challenges and threats

These are the critical steps that must be taken today to secure a better future.

Natalia Nechaeva-Yuriychuk, a member of the Charitable Foundation "Social Resources and Initiatives," highlighted these issues in her speech, emphasizing the urgent need for action.