Serhiy Zhadan's Address at the Munich Security Conference
Ukrainian writer and soldier Serhiy Zhadan delivered a speech titled 'Ten Theses on the Future' at the Munich Security Conference. Against the backdrop of Ukraine's ongoing struggle, he outlined crucial considerations for the nation's path forward. During the conference, the Ukrainian people were honored with the Ewald von Kleist Award, a recognition by the international community of their resilience and courage.
The 62nd Munich Security Conference also featured an address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Their talks centered on the PURL program, a key element of Ukraine's cooperation with NATO. A significant development was a record-breaking 'Ramstein' format meeting, where allied partners confirmed aid packages for Ukraine totaling 38 billion euros.
Key Considerations for Ukraine's Path Forward
In his speech, Zhadan observed that war reshapes daily life and the very perception of existence, where basic necessities like heat and light become conditions for survival. He stressed that discussing the future is difficult when the present is unstable, yet it is essential to avoid losing direction. The author noted that the need for justice and dignity persists even in the darkest times, providing the strength to persevere.
"Wars do not end automatically; their conclusion demands effort, faith, and endurance."
Serhiy Zhadan
Zhadan also stated that society must enter the future carrying the experience of war, whose consequences will remain for a long time. He emphasized the impossibility of returning to the pre-war past—the future will be different and is being shaped now. The writer also cautioned that after the war, misunderstandings between people and nations may grow due to differing experiences and global war fatigue. He underscored that the future is a shared one, as the modern world is interconnected and does not allow for distancing from tragedy. People must not grow accustomed to war, and surviving in the cold under shelling cannot become the norm.
Concluding his address, Serhiy Zhadan stated that darkness is not eternal, and the future depends on a readiness to act, preserve reality, and accept responsibility. His words served as a powerful reminder of the necessity to fight for dignity and truth in wartime.
Zhadan's appearance at the Munich Security Conference highlights the critical importance of continued international support for Ukraine. His focus on shared responsibility for the future and the centrality of human dignity resonates beyond Ukraine's borders, reminding a global audience that the war's outcome affects worldwide stability and security. Forums like this are vital for shaping policy and fostering mutual understanding in a rapidly changing world order.