Over the course of its 250-year history, the US has secured its global leadership through victories both for itself and for others – in the last century it was Europe; now it is to be Ukraine.
This was stated by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014–2016), during a special KSF discussion involving Ukrainian and American diplomats to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.
‘Our dear and close American friends! Allow me to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. Your nation is a unique phenomenon in the history of humankind. Your history shows that when people of principle have the courage to stand up for their convictions, democracy is capable of overcoming any internal or external challenges. America has the strength to fight for democracy. America has the courage to lead and never give up. And, perhaps most importantly, America has the wisdom to learn and draw the right lessons,” he said.
Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted that US global leadership has been demonstrated through victories in the defence of other democracies. “America’s greatness lies in its ability to fight not only for itself. In the 20th century, you fought for Europe and emerged victorious. That victory secured America’s global role and its defining place in the world. In our century, Ukraine must be the next such victory,” he said.
The Chairman of the KSF also highlighted the global prospects for Ukrainian-American relations.
“In American history, Ukraine is not just another partner. It is the cornerstone of a new Atlantic future. I am convinced that it is on this foundation that we can build the just international order to which we all aspire. God bless the United States of America. God bless Ukraine. May God protect Ukrainian and American soldiers. Glory to Ukraine!” concluded Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
The discussion took place as part of the new project ‘Kyiv Security Forum: Deep Strike’ – a series of expert discussions on pressing issues and key trends in the fields of security, the economy and Ukraine’s foreign policy. The project aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the most significant challenges shaping the country’s future.
Participants in the discussion included Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014–2016); Danylo Lubkivsky, member of the Kyiv Security Forum’s Security Council and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (2014); John Herbst, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2003–2006); Marie Yovanovitch, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2016–2019); Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian Ambassador to the US (2021–2025); Jeffrey Payette, US Ambassador to Ukraine (2013–2016); Steven Pifer, US Ambassador to Ukraine (1998–2000); Valeriy Chaly, Ukrainian Ambassador to the US (2015–2019).
The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace. KSF events are attended by prominent international leaders, politicians, diplomats, experts, activists and journalists. The platform operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine at the forefront of the global agenda; expanding our country’s circle of international partners; and building expertise on pressing security issues.