NAKO Executive Director Olena Tregub joined the Azerbaijani international TV channel AnewZ to discuss the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine, the prospects for peace talks, Western support for Ukraine, and the country’s path toward European integration.
According to Tregub, the renewed discussion about possible negotiations is driven by changes on the battlefield. Ukraine has regained the initiative by successfully disrupting Russian military logistics and expanding its long-range strike capabilities.
At the same time, she stressed that a diplomatic breakthrough is only possible if international pressure on Russia increases. This requires not only stronger sanctions, but also expanded military assistance to Ukraine, including advanced air defence systems, long-range weapons, and the use of frozen Russian assets.
Ukraine genuinely seeks to end the war, as Ukrainians continue to bear its devastating human cost every day. However, any ceasefire must be backed by credible security guarantees to prevent Russia from using a pause to regroup and launch another invasion.
Commenting on political developments in Europe, Tregub noted that support for Ukraine depends not only on individual governments but also on Europe’s willingness to become a stronger geopolitical and security actor. She also welcomed positive signs in Ukraine-Hungary relations following the change of government, including growing interest in defence cooperation.
Speaking about Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, Tregub emphasized that this is not merely a matter of technical reforms but a strategic issue of European security. Ukraine has paid an extraordinary price for its European choice, she said, and its EU membership should be viewed as a geopolitical decision that will strengthen Europe as a whole.