Ukraine has Europe’s only army that knows how to fight

For Moscow, this is another bargaining point. Kyiv, however, does not expect a rapid start to dialogue, focusing instead on strengthening its Defense Forces and working with allies.

Ukraine’s only security guarantees — Defense Forces and military-industrial complex

It is clear that Ukraine’s main security guarantee remains its Defense Forces and military-industrial complex. At the same time, a strategic goal is diversifying production through partnerships with foreign companies.

For example, Ukraine has proposed a large-scale drone production program to the U.S.: the plan envisions producing up to 10 million drones per year over five years. This ambitious initiative could become the foundation of a new industry after the war.

At the same time, Europe has committed to financing the purchase of U.S. weapons worth $90 billion. In this way, the United States is gradually shifting part of the security burden onto European partners — and, it must be acknowledged, Donald Trump is doing this more effectively than his predecessor.

Security agreements — separate track

Today, Ukraine has nearly three dozen security agreements with various countries. They cover arms supplies, military training, cooperation in the military-industrial sector, and ammunition guarantees.

For example, the United Kingdom signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine, while Germany has already approved funding for military aid through 2029 totaling over €11 billion, with €3 billion planned for 2025.

"These agreements are fundamental. They are meant to function regardless of how the situation with a potential ceasefire develops."

Ukrainian army — unique deterrent factor

But there are things that no agreement can guarantee. In Europe, there is only one army that understands how to fight a modern large-scale war — one that has the knowledge, necessary experience, and combat spirit. That is the Ukrainian army.

No European country has comparable experience in confronting the Russian military machine. That is why, under Ukraine’s leadership, a new security alliance is already taking shape. Ukraine is precisely the country capable of ensuring security on NATO’s eastern flanks.

New alliance

"If we combine Ukrainian experience and strategic vision with Norwegian resources, Finnish determination, and the Swedish military-industrial complex, we will create a truly invincible alliance."

This will provide a reliable guarantee that Russia will not dare to attack Ukraine, the Baltic states, or Scandinavia.

Ukraine is already demonstrating today that it is a key player in European security, and our leadership in this process is unquestionable.

Exclusively for Espreso

About the author. Serhiy Kuzan, Head of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation.

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog or column authors.