On Thursday, 4 February, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, together with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Chairperson of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration Vyacheslav Chaus, visited Chernihiv region.

During the visit, the Minister emphasized that the consequences of the war cannot be fully understood from a distance, which is why programs for foreign guests typically include trips to the regions.

"The consequences of the war must be seen and felt where they are most acute, speaking with people and looking them in the eyes. For us, it is important that visits by foreign partners include trips to the regions," Andrii Sybiha said.

The visit began in the village of Yahidne, Ivanivska territorial community, which had been under Russian occupation for almost a month. In the basement of the local school, Russian forces held hundreds of civilians for 27 days without water, food, in suffocating and unsanitary conditions. Over 60% of the community was destroyed, and 10 out of 17 settlements were occupied.

"People who were held in the basement said the occupiers offered freedom to those who would learn the Russian anthem. Yet no one did. This is about dignity and inner resilience, which cannot be broken even under inhumane conditions," the Minister stressed.

The Minister expressed gratitude to Latvia for its contribution to the reconstruction of Yahidne, highlighting it as an example of recovery.

"We will continue working to mobilize international assistance to overcome the consequences of Russian aggression and restore life in this and other communities," he added.

During the visit, Andrii Sybiha and Mark Rutte also visited the 105th Prince Volodymyr the Great Border Detachment. Familiarizing themselves with its operations, modern border protection technologies, and use of unmanned systems, witnessing first-hand how Ukrainian forces counter Russian attacks, including Shahed and other UAVs.

The Minister emphasized that visits like this are critical for diplomats to understand the war beyond analytical reports.

"We received up-to-date information on the battlefield situation and the needs of our Defense Forces. Ukraine has unique experience and is ready to share it," he said.

Andrii Sybiha noted that Ukraine is scaling up its own defense production but continues to need support from NATO and its member states, which was communicated to the NATO Secretary General. The Minister thanked the military on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and handed over three generators for the detachment’s needs.

As part of the visit, the NATO Secretary General also visited a critical infrastructure facility and a resilience hub of the State Emergency Service, since protection of energy and civil resilience remains critically important.

The final part of the program included engagement with students in Chernihiv, discussing European and Euro-Atlantic integration, youth cooperation formats, academic exchanges, Ukraine’s foreign policy, the war, resilience, and the path to a just peace.

The Minister highlighted the questions raised and the genuine interest in international issues:
"Such interactions clearly show what Ukraine’s tomorrow will be. This generation will shape the international agenda - in diplomacy, public administration, business, the security sector, and civil society. We are doing everything to ensure this is a generation of victory. Strong and responsible. A generation that will define our country’s role in the world," Andrii Sybiha said.

"These trips are not only about solidarity. They are about understanding the reality of the war, gaining a deeper understanding of Ukraine, and shared responsibility for Europe’s security. And I am repeatedly convinced: our strength lies in the people, communities, and partnerships we build together," the Minister added.

During the visit, Andrii Sybiha also visited the Chernihiv City Centralized Library System. Thanks to the initiative of Tetiana Sybiha and the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats, one branch of the library, which had been in critical condition, received approximately EUR 15,000 for renovations.

"This war has shown that the enemy fears not only our army but also Ukrainian culture. Therefore, our task is not only to restore what was destroyed but also to consistently strengthen these spaces, making them more modern and accessible to communities. Our culture is a force that builds societal resilience and resists aggression," the Minister said.

The Minister also visited the Chernihiv Center for Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of Children, which supports children without parental care or in difficult life circumstances. The center was heavily damaged during active hostilities and became unfit for habitation.

Andrii Sybiha discussed the institution’s priority needs, international support for reconstruction, and improvements in conditions for children. He also delivered gifts - small tokens of attention that carry great meaning.

"Children represent the future - a chance for childhood even during war. I am sincerely grateful to international partners who have already contributed to supporting this center. We are working so that our children have decent living conditions and the opportunity to experience a happy childhood. The humanitarian dimension of diplomacy means concrete projects and real changes for people," concluded the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.