For decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, democracy seemed to be on an irreversible path of expansion. More than thirty years later, authoritarian regimes are gaining influence, democratic institutions face growing pressure, and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has brought a major war back to Europe.
On October 10, Lesia Ogryzko, Co-founder and Director of Sahaidachnyi Security Center and Head of the Reform Support Office at Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, participated in a discussion “Why We Must Fight for Freedom and Democracy Again in Today’s World” at Donbas Media Forum 2026 in Kyiv.
The discussion examined why authoritarian systems continue to attract support despite decades of democratic development, and why the struggle to protect fundamental freedoms has become increasingly urgent.
The panel was moderated by Taras Shevchenko, Founder of the Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law. Other speakers included Andrii Borovyk, Executive Director of Transparency International Ukraine; Yevhen Bystrytskyi, former Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation; and Šimon Pánek, Executive Director of the Czech humanitarian organisation People in Need.
Held with the support of People in Need, the discussion formed part of the eleventh Donbas Media Forum, which brought together journalists, civil society representatives, and international experts to examine the challenges facing Ukraine and democratic societies.
Ukraine’s experience offers a particularly stark perspective on these challenges. Russia’s war has demonstrated how an authoritarian regime can threaten a sovereign country’s right to determine its own future through military force. For Ukrainians, defending democracy is closely connected to the country’s ability to protect its independence, maintain functioning institutions, and withstand prolonged aggression.
During the discussion, Lesia Ogryzko described Ukraine as a unique laboratory for war and democracy, where the country is trying to reconcile a prolonged war of attrition with the principles of modern liberal democracy.
She pointed to how the relationship between citizens and the state has evolved since the Second World War. The balance between individual rights and civic responsibilities has increasingly shifted towards rights, while war has brought the duty to defend one’s country back into sharp focus. According to Lesia Ogryzko, modern democracies face a difficult challenge: ensuring that citizens fulfil their duty to defend their country while safeguarding their fundamental rights and freedoms.
Lesia Ogryzko also emphasised the importance of deterring authoritarian regimes. In her view, pacifism makes sense when all countries are willing to resolve disputes peacefully. As long as regimes remain willing to use force to change the international status quo, democratic countries need credible defence capabilities to discourage potential aggression.
