Lesia Ogryzko, Director of the Sahaidachnyi Security Center (SSC), participated in the recording of a podcast for the Norwegian online publication Nettavisen Ukrainapodden. The discussion covered key aspects of the war in Ukraine, its global consequences, and Russian imperialism.
Together with Yuriy Bugay, a representative of the Change Support Office of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, they explored historical parallels between Ukraine and Scandinavia, highlighted the importance of technological superiority in warfare, and underscored the necessity of strengthening international alliances to ensure stability in Europe.
The War in Ukraine is Not a Local Conflict
Experts from SSC and the Ministry of Defense emphasise that the war between Ukraine and Russia has taken on a global scale. The West must stop viewing this conflict as an isolated event and recognise its strategic implications for global stability.
Russia is actively forging alliances with countries such as North Korea and Iran, which supply it with weapons, military technology, and even soldiers. This demonstrates that the threat does not come from Russia alone but also from its allies, who are willing to escalate the conflict.
Meanwhile, the West fears further escalation, leading to delays or limitations in military aid to Ukraine. This creates a paradoxical situation: while the aggressor state receives support from its allies, Ukraine is left with its hands partially tied.
Historical Parallels and Ties Between Ukraine and Scandinavia
The interview also delves into the historical connections between Ukraine and Scandinavia.
The Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), a regional cooperation format between the Baltic and Scandinavian countries, is an obvious strategic partner for Ukraine. These nations have historical experience in resisting Russian imperialism, as well as attempts to erase their national identity, culture, and language.
Ties with Norway, Sweden, and other regional countries are of strategic importance to Ukraine and must continue to be strengthened. Such synergy could form the foundation of a strong regional alliance that is not only economically beneficial but also politically crucial for European stability.
Given that Russia is actively building alliances with totalitarian states that provide it with military resources, financial support, and troops—and considering the inevitable geopolitical shifts with a potential Trump administration in the United States—Ukraine must prioritise strengthening its international coalitions, particularly with the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
Technological Superiority: The Key to Success
Experts Lesia Ogryzko and Yuriy Bugay stress the critical role of technological superiority in warfare. Discussions about mobilisation and lowering the conscription age are misguided, as modern warfare is not about sheer numbers but about securing technological dominance.
What Ukraine truly needs are advanced technologies—drones, precision missile systems, intelligence tools, and modern defense systems. These technologies allow for more precise strikes with fewer casualties and leverage artificial intelligence to compensate for the enemy’s significant numerical advantage.
Ukraine and its partners must focus on investing in these technologies, as they can shift the course of the war. Instead of discussing conscription policies, Western allies should prioritise supporting Ukraine’s technological edge.
Negotiations for Ukraine and Global Challenges
The prospects of negotiations depend on clear security guarantees or Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
All so-called peace initiatives that suggest “freezing” the war come at the cost of territorial concessions. This ignores the reality that Russia’s true goal is not merely to control Donbas or Crimea but to eliminate Ukraine as a sovereign nation.
The experience of Minsk I and Minsk II has demonstrated that concessions only delay the next phase of the war. Ukrainians have already learned their lesson and will not accept agreements that effectively legitimise occupation.
Moreover, history has shown that empires are not eternal, and Russia is no exception. The West must prepare for its potential collapse and the subsequent geopolitical shifts, rather than simply maintaining the status quo.
The war in Ukraine is already reshaping the global order, and any hesitation in responding could have catastrophic consequences.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast:
🔗 Spotify Link
