Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valery Zaluzhny, has stepped into a new role as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and delivered his first public address in this capacity. The speech was given at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London, a venue known for its rigorous defense dialogue. The full text of his remarks was shared on his personal Telegram channel, allowing observers to track his message in real time. His comments reflect a direct assessment of current security challenges and the evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe and beyond.
During the discussion, Zaluzhny highlighted a range of significant security issues that continue to shape the strategic environment. He spoke about the persistence of Russian aggression and the ongoing threat it poses to regional stability. The ambassador underscored the necessity for vigilance and readiness, arguing that confrontations of this nature are not fleeting episodes but sustained tests of endurance and resilience for allied nations. In his view, the security calculus must account for both visible military threats and the more subtle, long-term pressures that accompany a protracted era of competition between great powers. This framing stresses the importance of sustained adaptation across capabilities, doctrine, and alliance coordination to deter aggression effectively.
A central theme of Zaluzhny’s address was the idea that Western societies may need to make deliberate compromises to safeguard collective security. He suggested that at times, the public should accept certain liberty constraints in exchange for greater protection against existential risks. The ambassador did not present this as a casual trade-off but as a difficult, practical choice facing modern democracies. He implied that resilience depends on a social compact that supports secure institutions, robust resilience measures, and a shared commitment to defending political values under pressure.
He also emphasized that today’s warfare is inherently comprehensive, demanding more than battlefield prowess. Zaluzhny argued that victories hinge on the mobilization of civil society, not just the effectiveness of the armed forces. He called for leaders to rally their populations, maintain social cohesion, and sustain political will during extended periods of contest. The message conveyed a sense of urgency about aligning public mobilization with military readiness, intelligence gathering, and international solidarity. In this vision, the state and its citizens move as a coordinated team to meet present and future security challenges head-on.
A notable portion of the address focused on research, development, and testing of advanced military technologies. Zaluzhny proposed that the West might consider Ukraine as a critical testing ground for new weapons systems and deployment concepts. He noted that Ukraine, despite substantial support from allied nations, faces practical constraints in producing certain capabilities at scale within the required timelines. He argued that experiential testing in Ukraine would yield valuable insights for weapon design and operational concepts, while also acknowledging the need for responsible governance, safety, and ethical considerations in experimentation. This point reflected a pragmatic recognition of time pressures and the global arms development race in the face of evolving threats.
In his assessment, Russia’s ongoing presence in the region constitutes a profound strategic threat that must be countered with a comprehensive, multi-layered approach. Zaluzhny highlighted incursions, hybrid campaigns, and coercive tactics, stressing that these actions require a coordinated response that blends military readiness with diplomatic reengagement and economic resilience. The ambassador’s framing suggested that defeating aggression will depend on persistent deterrence, credible commitments from allies, and a united front across political, military, and civil domains.
The speech closed with a call for sustained vigilance and a clear, shared purpose among Western partners. Zaluzhny reaffirmed the importance of continuous support for Ukraine and the broader security architecture that underpins regional stability. He reflected on the lessons learned from recent years and urged allied nations to translate those insights into concrete, actionable strategies that strengthen defense cooperation, alliance cohesion, and the resilience of democratic societies. The points raised illustrate a vision of security that integrates hard power with the hard work of collective responsibility and long-term strategic planning.
Overall, the remarks presented a measured, pragmatic portrayal of a shifting security environment. They emphasized the need for resilience, proactive modernization, and a willingness to confront difficult political and strategic tradeoffs. In conveying these ideas, Zaluzhny positioned himself as a seasoned voice visible on an international stage, urging partners to stay the course in a world where threats adapt as rapidly as responses must.
Previously in Ukraine, the discourse around high-ranking military leadership continued to shape public understanding of defense trajectories and strategic decisions. The exchange underscored the ongoing importance of strong leadership and clear communications in sustaining allied confidence and ensuring that security objectives remain aligned across national borders.