Hybrid war to remain NATO’s main challenge for next 10 years - Stefanishyna

Eight years of Russia’s armed aggression on the territory of Ukraine, along with the efforts to repel hybrid war, have contributed to NATO reviewing its collective security system.

That’s according to Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna who addressed the Kyiv Stratcom Forum, the first international event on strategic communications held in Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"The issue of hybrid warfare is the cornerstone of NATO's new development system for the next 10 years. The previous concept, approved in 2010, was more military-oriented,” said Stefanishyna.

The official added that the Kyiv Stratcom Forum is taking place amid the drafting of NATO's development strategy for the next 10 years, which is set to be approved at the Madrid Summit in June.

Against the background of Russian aggression, it is important for Ukraine to form its own narratives and promote them wihtin the country and beyond, Stefanishyna added. Therefore, strategic communications and the fight against hybrid warfare are elements of national stability.

The deputy prime minister also recalled that in August 2021, the President with his decree approved the decision of the National Security and Defense Council "On the introduction of the concept of national stability."

"Today we are starting to form certain protocols for the country’s functioning in conditions of various types of military and non-military aggression. As part of the implementation of the said concept, we lay down the founding of a Center of Excellence for Cooperation with NATO," said Olha Stefanishyna.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Kyiv Stratcom Forum, Ukraine’s first international event on strategic communications, is being held in the Ukrainian capital on December 7-8, 2021. Among participants are NATO and EU diplomats, Ukrainian officials, and members of Ukrainian NGOs specializing in strategic communications and anti-misinformation work. The forum was organized by the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security.

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