Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and current Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, has stated that the world order established after the Second World War has effectively collapsed.
According to him, the existing global security architecture, built on the principles of collective security and international law, has failed to deter aggression and prevent large-scale conflicts.
He considers the turning point to have been Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speech at the Munich Security Conference in 2007, where Russia openly challenged the West’s role in global affairs.
Zaluzhnyi argues that the post-war world order, which relied on mechanisms such as the United Nations (UN), NATO, and international treaties, has proven unable to respond effectively to security threats in recent decades.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he asserts, is the most striking example of this failure. Despite multiple diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions imposed on Moscow, Russia has continued its aggression, violating international law with relative impunity.
Ukraine’s Position in the Changing Global Order
Ukraine finds itself at the centre of a geopolitical struggle that is redefining the global balance of power. Zaluzhnyi stresses that Ukraine must rely on its own strength, rather than expecting international institutions to provide reliable security guarantees.
The failure of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which was meant to assure Ukraine’s sovereignty in exchange for giving up its nuclear arsenal, has reinforced this view.
As a result, Ukraine has been forced to strengthen its military, develop its defence industry, and seek closer partnerships with allies. However, Zaluzhnyi warns that this is not enough. He argues that Ukraine’s future security will depend on long-term strategic agreements, rather than ad hoc military aid packages. He believes that Kyiv must push for a clear path to NATO membership, as well as bilateral security guarantees from key Western nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Role of the West
Zaluzhnyi also addresses the role of Western countries in the ongoing war and the broader security crisis. He acknowledges that Ukraine has received significant military and financial assistance from the United States, the European Union, and NATO members, but warns that this support must be sustained for Ukraine to have a chance at victory.
The conflict in Ukraine, he asserts, is not just a regional war—it is a direct challenge to the international order. If Russia succeeds in dismembering Ukraine, it will set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other authoritarian regimes to pursue territorial expansion through force. This could lead to increased instability in regions such as the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and the Balkans.
Zaluzhnyi is clear in his assessment: the cost of inaction by the West will be far greater than the price of continuing to support Ukraine. A weakened Ukraine, or a scenario in which Russia achieves its objectives, would significantly damage Western credibility, particularly among its allies in Eastern Europe and Asia.
A War of Attrition and the Long-Term Outlook
The war in Ukraine has become a grinding war of attrition, with both sides sustaining heavy losses. Ukraine has successfully conducted counteroffensive operations, yet the situation remains highly unpredictable. Zaluzhnyi warns that Ukraine must prepare for a prolonged conflict, as Russia continues to mobilise manpower and resources for an extended war effort.
He also highlights the importance of economic resilience, noting that Ukraine must continue its domestic reforms and attract foreign investment to maintain wartime production. The ability to sustain a functioning economy, while defending the country against Russian aggression, is critical to Ukraine’s long-term survival.
Another key factor is technological innovation. Zaluzhnyi emphasises the need for Ukraine to modernise its armed forces, with a particular focus on drone warfare, cybersecurity, and advanced weaponry. He calls for greater cooperation with Western defence industries to develop and produce cutting-edge military technologies that can give Ukraine a strategic advantage.
The Global Implications of Ukraine’s Struggle
Ukraine’s fight is not just about territorial integrity—it is about the fundamental principles of international security. Zaluzhnyi argues that the outcome of this war will determine whether international law still has meaning, or whether military aggression will once again become an accepted tool of statecraft.
The collapse of the post-war world order, he asserts, has left many countries reassessing their security strategies. Nations that once relied on international institutions for protection are now exploring alternative approaches, including military alliances, nuclear deterrence, and increased defence spending.
Zaluzhnyi’s message is clear: Ukraine is on the front line of a global struggle. The war is not just about Ukraine’s sovereignty—it is about the survival of a rules-based international order. If Ukraine prevails, it will send a strong signal that aggression will not be tolerated. If it fails, the consequences will be far-reaching, affecting the security of Europe and beyond.
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