Valery Zaluzhny's speech at the military conference in London. Main theses

Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Valeriy Zaluzhny spoke at the RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024 in London. The event focused on key security issues, including challenges stemming from Russian aggression.

Zaluzhny reported about it in Telegram.

The main theses of Zaluzhny's speech

The science of war

"War is a science. A science with its own laws that need to be known and studied," Zaluzhny said, emphasising that the history of warfare and its new rules are now being created in Ukraine. He noted that the Ukrainian experience of fighting will be useful for all those who seek peace.

Supporting Ukraine and strengthening the coalition

Valeriy Zaluzhny noted the importance of supporting Ukraine and strengthening the coalition of the free world in opposing destabilisation, aggression and tyranny. He emphasised that war for freedom in one country should become a policy for the survival of democracy in other free countries: "We are ready to share all our knowledge, experience and thoughts with those who have not abandoned Ukraine in difficult times and who seek peace and tranquillity for their peoples."

War preparedness

According to Zaluzhny, war should be avoided, but if they do come, we need to be ready for them. He noted that war preparedness should cover not only military aspects, but all areas of government activity: "The most difficult and important component is public preparedness, which is based on honest and transparent communication between the government and the people."

Challenges of modern wars

Zaluzhny noted that modern wars require efforts not only of the army, but also of the whole society: "Modern wars, unfortunately, are total. They require the efforts not only of the army, but also of the whole society." He also emphasised that war cannot be part of the internal political process: "War is the maximum concentration of forces for survival."

Importance of technology

The Ambassador noted that the war that started in 2014 is very different from the one that unfolded in 2022, and that technology plays a key role in modern military strategies. He emphasised that it is technology that should ensure the sustainability of the Ukrainian nation: 'Today we have already found a way to fight and defeat stronger armies in the 21st century'.

Valeriy Zaluzhny concluded his speech at the conference by asking the international community for support and solidarity:

"We, Ukrainians, with our blood and thirst for victory are shaping the new rules of a new war. A war that will be the war of the future."

He emphasised that partnership and co-operation with other countries is the key to victory and preserving peace in the world.

Today, on 26 July, Valeriy Zaluzhnyy held a meeting with leaders of Ukrainian public and charitable organisations in the UK, reiterating what was said at the conference at the level of civil society:

Stressed that we must continue to be a united shield to defend our homeland, to resist the terrorist state's attempts to destroy Ukrainian identity and wipe Ukraine off the world map.

We agreed to continue old and start new joint initiatives and to consolidate all our efforts to strengthen our confrontation against the Russian aggressor, to support the unity of the Ukrainian community and to preserve its national identity. All this is an important contribution for our Victory and the future of our state.