On November 4, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko delivered welcoming remarks at the opening of the Youth Model of the Ukraine-NATO Council Meeting, held at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine.
The event, organized by the "ANTS" National Interests Advocacy Network with the support of NATO, brought together active young leaders from all regions of Ukraine. The initiative aims to provide youth with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of international relations and security policy, as well as to gain practical experience in decision-making through a simulated meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council.
In his remarks, Olexandr Mischenko welcomed the participants and emphasized that amid Russia's full-scale aggression, Ukrainian diplomacy has a clear task: to synchronize the efforts of the international community in providing the Armed Forces of Ukraine with everything necessary for victory.
Olexandr Mischenko stressed that NATO is a key international mechanism capable of adequately responding to modern security challenges. At the same time, he noted that thanks to Ukraine's resilience and struggle, the Alliance is also undergoing a process of transformation and adaptation: "Today, Ukraine is gaining unique experience in modern warfare. This experience, which we share with our partners, is our significant contribution to common Euro-Atlantic security and contributes to the modernization and enhancement of NATO's capabilities."
He also emphasized that Ukraine's victory is impossible without the complete unity and consolidation of efforts by the Allies. "Russian aggression is a threat not only to Ukraine but to the entire civilized world and the international order. The recognition of this common threat and a joint response to it are a key prerequisite for the restoration of a just peace and stability in Europe," stressed Olexandr Mischenko.
Addressing the youth, the Deputy Minister emphasized that in times of war, public service acquires special significance as an opportunity to protect the interests of the Homeland. He stressed that it is this generation that will shape the country's future: "All paths are open to you. You are the future leaders who will determine the destiny of Ukraine and its security policy. Your task is not only to gain experience but also to effectively counter disinformation and Russia's attempts to undermine the unity between Ukraine and its international partners."
Other speakers at the opening event included the Director of the Diplomatic Academy, Ihor Ostash, the Head of the NGO "ANTS", Hanna Hopko, Senior Representative of NATO in Ukraine, Patrick Turner, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Ukraine, Andrejs Pildegovičs.