{"id":7767,"date":"2024-09-16T15:25:08","date_gmt":"2024-09-16T13:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.standwithukraineeurope.com\/?p=7767"},"modified":"2024-12-16T10:15:24","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T10:15:24","slug":"yes-forum-2024-in-kyiv-the-necessity-of-a-ukrainian-victory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.standwithukraineeurope.com\/en\/yes-forum-2024-in-kyiv-the-necessity-of-a-ukrainian-victory\/","title":{"rendered":"YES Forum 2024 in Kyiv: The necessity of a Ukrainian victory"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

On September 13-14, 2024, Kyiv hosted the 20th Annual Meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES)<\/strong>, an event that gathers political leaders, diplomats, military officials, civil society activists, and experts from around the globe to discuss the future of Ukraine, Europe, and the world.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

From 2004 to 2013, the YES Annual Forum was held at the Livadia Palace in Yalta, a historic venue where Europe was divided in 1945 but later became a symbol of the unification of a broader Europe. Following Russia\u2019s annexation of Crimea, the meetings were relocated to Kyiv.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This year, more than 700 participants from over 30 countries convened under the aegis of YES to discuss key strategic issues, including support for Ukraine and the urgent need to defeat Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky<\/strong> and First Lady Olena Zelenska<\/strong> participated in the discussions, sharing their vision for Ukraine\u2019s and Europe\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

“Ending this war is essential for us. Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, has no need to end it.”<\/em>
\n\u2014 Volodymyr Zelensky<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The YES Forum 2024 also welcomed prominent French political figures, including Gabriel Attal<\/strong>, Member of Parliament and President of the Ensemble pour la R\u00e9publique group in the National Assembly, Benjamin Haddad<\/strong>, MP for Paris\u2019s 14th constituency, Val\u00e9rie Hayer<\/strong>, Member of the European Parliament and President of the Renew Europe Group, and Anne Genetet<\/strong>, MP for French citizens living abroad. They reaffirmed France\u2019s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and sovereignty.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em><\/p>\n

“France supports you and your right to defend yourselves. I believe that if we slow down, we admit our weakness against Russia. Europe is mortal, and this war is a test of truth. Ukraine represents freedom, and it is European by its history, culture, and geography. It has consistently chosen democracy.”<\/em>
\n\u2014 Gabriel Attal<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The central theme of the 20th edition of the YES Forum was \u201cThe Necessity to Win\u201d<\/strong>, focusing on critical topics such as “Europe\u2019s Moment of Truth,” “Ukraine\u2019s Role in Building a Secure World,” and “Why We Must Defeat This Enemy.” These discussions highlighted the challenges Europe and the world face in confronting Russian aggression and emphasized the need to strengthen Western policies to support Ukraine.<\/p>\n

Stand With Ukraine<\/strong> participated in the forum, engaging with many influential figures in attendance. The organization advocates for closer cooperation between European and Ukrainian cities, emphasizing the importance of cultural, educational, and economic exchanges to support Ukraine\u2019s resilience.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The 20th YES Forum reaffirmed the commitment of Western nations to stand with Ukraine. The strong support from European leaders and open discussions about current challenges underscored that Ukraine is not alone in its fight against Russian aggression. The forum made it clear that continued and expanded support for Ukraine is essential.<\/p>\n

You can watch the replay of the Yalta European Strategy Forum<\/strong> here:<\/p>\n