On the anniversary of Ukraine's resistance to Russia's full-scale invasion, on February 24, 2024, the Yalta European Strategy (YES) meeting took place in Kyiv. International guests, politicians, civil activists, and military figures attended the event.
The Yalta European Strategy is a leading forum for discussing Ukraine's European future and the global context. The event fosters the emergence of new ideas, connects Ukraine with international partners, supports forces seeking change in the country, and builds networks of supporters for the new Ukraine worldwide.
For 18 years, YES has initiated dialogue among leaders from Ukraine, the EU, the US, and other countries. In Ukraine, the forum serves as a platform for dialogue between the government and the opposition, bringing together leaders in politics, business, media, civil society, and the expert community. Annual YES meetings took place in the symbolic Livadia Palace in Yalta from 2004 to 2013. After the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, the annual YES meeting moved to the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv.
The theme of this year's forum was assistance to Ukraine in its struggle for existence, freedom, and the rule of law. Ilona Khmeleva, Secretary of the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU), also attended the event, where she had the opportunity to engage with stakeholders and international guests. Participants discussed contemporary issues in Ukraine, the resilience of the financial sector, the economy, infrastructure, and the social system. Topics included US assistance, Russia's isolation, and Ukraine's EU membership.