Ukraine’s future: a discussion on a just and lasting peace
On March 4, a discussion on Ukraine’s future and how to achieve it took place at the UK Mission to the European Union. The panel included Sofiia Kostytska from the Crisis Research Centre, who emphasised that the current decisions affect not only Ukraine but the entire free world. Is it possible to achieve peace that is both just and long-lasting without sacrificing either.
A debate on Ukraine’s future and how to achieve it took place last week at the British Residence in Brussels, organised by the UK Mission to the European Union in collaboration with the College of Europe Alumni Association, EYL40 European Young Leaders, Friends of Europe, and Young Professionals in Foreign Policy – Brussels. It is a platform for experts and leaders from various backgrounds to share their perspectives, ideas, and challenges about Ukraine’s current situation and future.
The central theme of the debate was what future Ukrainians are fighting for today, as well as what steps must be taken to achieve just and long-term peace and security. The debate focused on the key question: what is Ukraine’s future? Is a just and lasting peace possible in the short or long term? How can Europe’s allies help Ukraine on its journey? Can Ukrainians expect justice to be served? Are peace and justice mutually supportive or opposing goals?
Several international experts attended the event, including Sofiia Kostytska, a legal researcher, Chevening alumna and foreign expert with the Crisis Research Centre. The panel included Tamara Srzentić, former Montenegrin Minister of Public Administration and member of EYL40 European Young Leaders, Gary Klaukka, Executive Director of the European Network of Political Institutions (ENoP), and Adam Nilsson, Head of Young Professionals in Foreign Policy – Brussels.
In her speech, Sofiia presented three critical dilemmas that will shape Ukraine’s path and future. First, how do we strike a balance between forming new alliances and strengthening existing ones? Second, can we avoid prioritising short-term solutions over long-term and sustainable peace? Third, how can we ensure that reconstruction is about more than just infrastructure and the economy, so that war crimes are not left unpunished and Ukrainian society can regain trust in the justice system?
Sofiia emphasised in her speech that the world has reached an unprecedented level of uncertainty, with geopolitical lines of power constantly shifting and major decisions determining the future of not only Ukraine, but the entire free world. She emphasised that, while the situation appears complex and full of challenges, one thing is certain: decisions made today will affect future generations.
Sofiia does not believe that surrendering Ukraine will lead to peace. On the contrary, it would allow the aggressor to continue its actions while undermining international law. As a result, the international community must provide Ukraine with diplomatic, political, and practical support to ensure that peace is achieved fairly and that long-term stability is not sacrificed for short-term gains.
Other speakers at the event emphasised that Ukraine has the right to expect international assistance, not only in the form of military and economic aid, but also on a political level, in order to ensure a just peace and avoid an unjust compromise that could lead to further conflict and instability.
It also addressed whether Europe can remain united in its support for Ukraine and what the next steps should be. It was clear that, while everyone’s goal was to end the war, it had to be done under conditions that ensured long-term security and respect for international law. Sofiia emphasised that the global political situation is fraught with uncertainty and unpredictability, but it is clear that Ukraine’s future is inextricably linked to the future of Europe and the free world. Unless strong and decisive action is taken now, even greater challenges may await us in the future.
Finally, the debate emphasised that achieving a just and lasting peace requires determined action, a long-term strategy, and international cooperation. Ukraine’s future is uncertain, but one thing is certain: today’s decisions will shape the course of history and determine the global direction.
Photos: March 4 meeting in Brussels (UK Mission to the EU, 2025).
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