Promote Ukraine

Today, I had an honor and pleasure meeting Olivier Vandecasteele - a fighter for human rights, humanitarian aid worker taken hostage in Iran on the day of Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and freed in 2023 thanks to advocacy actions of people who believe in justice. His NGO Protect Humanitarians aims to advocate for better protection and support of humanitarian personnel. The NGO also develops research and learning to promote best practices in staff care, mental health and legal assistance to survivors after incidents. We discussed opportunities for cooperation, and hopefully our joint forces will make us strive and this world a better place for all!

Lesia Ogryzko, Director of the Sahaidachnyi Security Center, spoke at the European Parliament during the discussion "Rebuilding Ukraine, Securing Europe: The Role of Security in Reconstruction," organized by the Promote Ukraine platform, together with Tomáš Zdechovský and other experts. The participants discussed the role of security in Ukraine’s reconstruction and Europe’s stability. In her speech, Lesia Ogryzko emphasized that Ukraine’s large-scale reconstruction, particularly in the context of the Marshall Plan, will begin only when security and safety are firmly established. “Ensuring Ukraine’s defense capability today lays the foundation for sustainable recovery tomorrow. This can be achieved through three key directions: ▪️ Real security guarantees for Ukraine, ▪️ Air defense, ▪️ The ability to conduct deep strikes on Russian territory, targeting military bases used for destructive attacks.” Key Takeaways from the Discussion: ✅ Ukraine's security and reconstruction are a European priority. ✅ Security, reconstruction, and European integration must advance together. ✅ Ukraine's recovery should focus on social cohesion and human capital. ✅ Reconstruction must be "smart" and security-driven. ✅ Victory is the foundation of reconstruction. The best way to secure reconstruction efforts is to win the war! Photos by Anastasiia Varvarina

The four days I spent in Brussels were indeed quite fruitful. 🇧🇪 I had the amazing opportunity to attend a panel discussion at the European Parliament as part of the media platform Promote Ukraine and EPP on "Rebuilding Ukraine, Securing Europe: The Role of Security in Reconstruction". 🇺🇦🇪🇺 Speakers such as Gordon B. “Skip” Davis Jr., Lesia Ogryzko, Kristina Mikulova, PhD, MEPs Elena Višnar Malinovská, Reinis Poznaks, Tomáš Zdechovský and Ondřej Kolář stressed the essential aspects, the weaknesses and the areas to be addressed in terms of defence and international policy, the state of Europe as a whole, as well as the process of reconstruction of the war-affected country and the lives of its people. A special shout-out also goes to my dear friend Veronika Blažejová who organized and ran the arrangenents for this event. ✨ 1,131 days of war and who knows how many more to come. 💔

This week, the team of Promote Ukraine, together with MEP Tomáš Zdechovský and our esteemed panelists, was honored to host an important discussion at the European Parliament on the role of security in Ukraine’s reconstruction. 💡 Key Takeaways from the Discussion: ✅ Ukraine’s security and reconstruction are an investment in the European future and stability. ✅ Security, reconstruction, and European integration are deeply interdependent and must advance together. ✅ Ukraine’s recovery must prioritize social cohesion and human capital. ✅ Reconstruction must take the approach of 'security by design' and rethink the existing systems instead of replicating them. ✅ Vital steps to reinforce Ukraine’s security have already been made in the form of bilateral security guarantees and new EC decisions to integrate Ukraine deeper into the EU’s defense architecture. ✅ Victory is the most solid foundation of reconstruction. 🙌 A huge thank you to our distinguished speakers: 🔹 Ramūnas Stanionis (Cabinet of the Commissioner for Defence and Space)🔹 Elena Višnar Malinovská (DG ENEST)🔹 MEP Ondřej Kolář (EPP)🔹 MEP Reinis Poznaks (ECR)🔹 Gordon B. “Skip” Davis Jr. (Major General, US Army, Ret.; CEPA)🔹 Lesia Ogryzko (RISE Ukraine; Sahaidachnyi Security Center)🔹 Kristina Mikulova, PhD (EIB Ukraine) And a special thanks to MEP Tomáš Zdechovský and his team for co-organizing the event! We are also very grateful to the volunteers of Promote Ukraine who helped to organize the event, Anastasia Ariefieva, Michaël Desloover, Julie Mochamps and the leadership of our founder, Marta Barandiy, Ph.D. LL.M. Eur. Photos by Anastasiia Varvarina

Yesterday, Promote Ukraine, together with MEP @Tomáš Zdechovský and our esteemed panelists, hosted an important discussion at the European Parliament on the role of security in Ukraine’s reconstruction. 💡 Key Takeaways from the Discussion: ✅ Ukraine’s security and reconstruction are a European priority. 🗣 Ondřej Kolář: Ukraine's security and reconstruction are not just national issues—they are crucial investments in Europe's stability, prosperity, and survival. 🗣 Tomáš Zdechovský: A strong Ukraine means a strong Europe. ✅ Security, reconstruction, and European integration must advance together. 🗣 Kristina Mikulova: These three pillars are deeply interdependent and should progress in parallel. 🗣 Lesia Ogryzko: Ensuring Ukraine’s defense today lays the foundation for sustainable rebuilding tomorrow. ✅ Ukraine’s recovery must prioritize social cohesion and human capital. 🗣 Elena Višnar Malinovská: Reconstruction and security efforts must enable the safe return of displaced Ukrainians, who are essential for rebuilding the country. 🗣 MEP Reinis Poznaks: Supporting affected civilians is crucial, but so is creating reintegration programs for veterans—addressing their physical, mental, and social well-being. ✅ Reconstruction must be ‘smart’ and security-driven. 🗣 Gordon B. “Skip” Davis Jr.: Reconstruction should be built on ‘security by design’ principles—rethinking outdated systems rather than simply restoring them. 🗣 Kristina Mikulova: Sustainable reconstruction depends on the 3 ‘C’s: Cohesion, Cybersecurity, and Connectivity. 🗣 Lesia Ogryzko: Protecting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure requires strong air defense, deep strike capabilities, and security guarantees. ✅ Vital steps to reinforce Ukraine’s security have already been made. 🗣 Gordon B. “Skip” Davis Jr.: Bilateral security guarantees between Ukraine and its partners already create a strong foundation and include crucial elements of support. 🗣 Ramūnas Stanionis: Recent decisions by the European Commission mean Ukraine will be treated de facto as an EU member state in the EU’s defense strategy. ✅ Victory is the foundation of reconstruction. 🗣 Reinis Poznaks: The best way to secure reconstruction efforts is to win the war! 🙌 A huge thank you to our distinguished speakers: 🔹 @Ramūnas Stanionis (Cabinet of the Commissioner for Defence and Space) 🔹 @Elena Višnar Malinovská (DG ENEST) 🔹 MEP @Ondřej Kolář (EPP) 🔹 MEP @Reinis Poznaks (ECR) 🔹 @Gordon B. “Skip” Davis Jr. (Major General, US Army, Ret.; CEPA) 🔹 @Lesia Ogryzko (RISE Ukraine; Sahaidachnyi Security Center) 🔹 @Kristina Mikulova (EIB Ukraine) And a special thanks to MEP Tomáš Zdechovský and his team for co-organizing the event! Promote Ukraine thanks Olena Kuzhym for the efforts ahead put into this event and its moderation! We are equally grateful to our volunteers for their involvement! Photos by Anastasiia Varvarina

Together, We Are Changing the World for the Better! We are happy to share some wonderful news: we have received the report on the use of funds raised during our participation in the Brussels Christmas Market. All proceeds were transferred to the Halych Charitable Foundation to purchase medical equipment for the needs of the Security Service of Ukraine’s sanatorium in Truskavets. Thanks to your support, an ultrasound physiotherapy device and other essential equipment were purchased and are already being used to help our defenders in their recovery and rehabilitation. We sincerely thank the City of Brussels, the Mayor of Brussels, the team at Brussels Major Events, and Winter Wonders for the opportunity and trust to represent Ukraine at such an important event. A very special thank you goes to Marie-France Botte – for your belief, support, and your heart open to Ukraine. Together, we are not just helping — together, we are changing the world for the better. Thank you to everyone who contributed! Glory to Ukraine!

Last Monday, I was honored to speak at Films & Politics#03 – The Fight for Freedom: Ukraine’s Path Forward, a crucial discussion on Ukraine’s future. From peace negotiations and Ukraine’s red lines to EU security commitments and Russia’s internal dynamics, our panel tackled the most urgent questions. Event was moderated by Elena Sánchez Nicolás, editor-in-chief, EUobserver Grateful to Fides Film Festival and La Tricoterie, and MOJO Agency for the invitation and co-organizing!

Promote Ukraine invites you to join the Panel Discussion: "Rebuilding Ukraine, Securing Europe: The Role of Security in Reconstruction" 🗓️ When: 26 March 2025, 13:00–15:00 CET 📍 Where: European Parliament, SPAAK, Room 3C050 🔗Registration required: https://lnkd.in/ddp65WDE (Deadline: 23:00 CET, 18 March) Key Topics: 🔹 How security shapes Ukraine’s reconstruction and ways to ensure it 🔹 Role of reconstruction in ensuring regional stability 🔹 EU-Ukraine security & defence cooperation Speakers: • Ramūnas Stanionis, Cabinet of Commissioner for Defence and Space • MEP Tomáš Zdechovský(EPP) • MEP Ondřej Kolář (EPP) • MEP Reinis Poznaks (ECR) • Gordon B. “Skip” Davis Jr., Major General of US Army (Ret.) • Lesia Ogryzko, RISE Ukraine • Kristina Mikulova, PhD, EIB Let’s shape the secure and sustainable future of Ukraine and Europe together! Register now!

Women Around the World Fight for Equality. In Ukraine, They Defend Democracy and Freedom. While women globally fight for equal pay and rights, Ukrainian women face a harsher reality—ensuring survival under airstrikes, evacuating children, and supporting families. They are not just victims but also soldiers, politicians, lawyers, and medics, playing a crucial role in Ukraine’s resistance. More Than a Struggle—A War for Existence 📌 Everyday Survival: Millions of Ukrainian women wake up to air raid sirens, forced to flee or shelter. Nearly 1.9 million are displaced, over 6.7 million need humanitarian aid, and 6.9 million have sought refuge abroad—most of them women and children. 📌 Women as Victims of War Crimes: Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, more than 3,799 women and 289 girls have been killed. Over 350 cases of conflict-related sexual violence have been officially documented. In January 2025 alone, over 110 women became victims of war crimes. The true scale of these atrocities remains unknown. 📌 Women in Combat: Over 67,000 women serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with 48,000 in active service. They fight, command battalions, and break barriers in military careers. 📌 Women in Justice: Female lawyers and judges lead efforts to document war crimes and hold Russia accountable. Women make up 56% of Ukrainian lawyers, with 53% in leadership positions—one of the highest globally. 📌 Women in Politics & Leadership: Women drive Ukraine’s military, humanitarian, and diplomatic efforts. They hold 21% of parliamentary seats, lead key committees, and hold top government positions, yet still face barriers to full political participation. 📌 Women in Medicine: 64% of doctors and 95% of medical staff in Ukraine are women, working under fire to save lives. Thousands serve as military medics, with many required to register for military service. Why This Matters to Europe Ukrainian women are defending the values Europe stands for—freedom, democracy, and human rights. Their battle is not just Ukraine’s; it’s Europe’s fight for liberty. What Can You Do? 🔹 Support Ukraine: Advocate for increased military and humanitarian aid. 🔹 Demand Justice: Support efforts to prosecute Russian war crimes. 🔹 Help Refugees: Provide housing, jobs, and resources for displaced Ukrainian women. Join Promote Ukraine’s Efforts Based in Brussels, Promote Ukraine amplifies Ukrainian voices in the EU, advocating for Ukraine’s future within the European Union. Since 2022, we have coordinated humanitarian aid, raised awareness, and engaged policymakers in supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom. This March 8, as we celebrate women’s strength, let’s remember those fighting for survival. Their courage demands more than admiration—it requires action. #StandWithUkrainianWomen #WomenInWar #Ukraine #PromoteUkraine

On the eve of the International Women's Day I sat down with the Spanish MEP Lina Gálvez Muñoz for an honest talk about Ukraine, women, peace, and realpolitik https://lnkd.in/ent_y_kf