On January 20, 2026, NAKO Executive Director Olena Tregub took part in the discussion “Ukrainian Predator Strategy: Steps by Ukraine and Europe Toward Russia’s Defeat,” organized by the National Interest Advocacy Network ANTS to mark Ukraine’s Unity Day. The discussion focused on effective mechanisms that can lead to the defeat of the aggressor, including economic exhaustion, political isolation, the destruction of military capabilities, protection of Ukraine’s airspace, and increased energy efficiency as an element of long-term resilience.
The speakers of the discussion were:
- Volodymyr Vlasiuk, Director of Ukrainian Industry Expertise, Head of the Industrial Modernisation Committee, Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
- Illia Neshchodovskyi, Head of the Analytical Department, National Interest Advocacy Network “ANTS”;
- Oksana Ishchuk, Director, Centre for Global Studies “Strategy XXI”;
- Olena Tregub, Executive Director of NAKO.
The discussion was moderated by Hanna Hopko, Chair of the Board of the Network for the Protection of National Interests ANTS.
Olena Tregub noted that Russia is currently the most sanctioned country in the world, yet it continues to wage war against Ukraine. Therefore, Western partners must be more decisive in their actions toward Russia, particularly in sanction policy. “Ukrainians must lead by example and show that very often Russia is bluffing when it declares its so-called red lines,” Tregub said.
According to the NAKO Executive Director, Ukraine is effectively a security guarantor for Europe, with the largest army on the continent and a defense-industrial complex that is demonstrating significant growth. “The capacity of Ukraine’s defense industry is about USD 35 billion per year, and it is currently not fully financed. Europe is afraid to invest here, fails to find the funds, and lacks decisiveness. This all needs to change,” Olena Tregub emphasized.
In addition, Ukraine can strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy. “When we start positioning ourselves this way, Europe will show greater determination to impose tougher sanctions and provide more substantial financial support, weapons, and other assistance. The problem is not that Russia has no vulnerable points — it is that these vulnerabilities are feared and treated as red lines,” Tregub stressed.
Demonstrating Ukraine’s agency and strength is key to increasing Western partners’ leverage over Russia, the NAKO Executive Director concluded.
Photo: Ukraine Crisis Media Center