The Representative of Ukraine to the EU Kostiantyn Yelisieiev took part in the 8 th Kyiv Security Forum held on 28-29 May and dedicated to finding the ways to resolve the current crisis caused by Russian aggression.

Kostiantyn Yelisieiev stressed that the search for a solution of the situation in Ukraine should proceed from the fact that common values couldn’t be adapted to Russian interests, as well as the fact that the economic expediency couldn’t prevail over democratic values.

According to the Ukrainian diplomat, restoring peace and stability in Europe requires cohesion among the EU countries, Euro-Atlantic solidarity, diplomatic and political pressure on the Kremlin, adoption, if necessary, of the additional motivating sanctions measures and providing maximum assistance to Ukraine on the path of reforms.

"The European Union has launched very important changes in Ukraine. And it would be also correct to say that Ukraine is changing Europe ", - said Mr.Yelisieiev. Existing EU crisis has forced the EU to give a fresh look at its neighborhood and a new understanding of security. It demonstrated the need for a common position on Russia and returning to the idea of the Energy Union.

"The EU has become the main guarantor of national security and independence of Ukraine, - said Mr. Yelisieiev - however, a lot still needs to be done to restore the rule of law in Europe." According to the Ukrainian diplomat, now there is a need of incensement of the EU presence in Ukraine, including through humanitarian assistance directly under the EU flag or expanding peacekeeping efforts in the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy.

"However, in Ukraine there is an understanding that the key to victory over the Russian aggression is the internal reforms to transform Ukraine to the example of success for the Eastern Partnership region" – emphasized K.Yelisieiev.