At the international conference “Defending Democracy: Horizons of Freedom” Ukraine’s Ambassador to North Macedonia, Larysa Dir, highlighted the urgent importance of protecting democratic values.

“The topic of defending democracy is particularly pressing for Ukraine amid Russia’s full-scale aggression,” she said. Millions of Ukrainians are deprived of basic necessities as critical infrastructure is targeted, yet the country continues to demonstrate resilience. Parliament, government, judiciary, civil society, and media remain fully functional, proving that democracy comes at a high price.

Ambassador Dir called for both internal and external solidarity. She stressed the need for democratic states to unite, enforce sanctions against Russia, and support an unconditional ceasefire through the UN.

Addressing experts, journalists, academics, and civil society, she emphasized their role in shaping new strategies to protect democracy.

“For Ukraine, the main challenge is Russia’s armed aggression, which must be defeated by the democratic world. This is the horizon for all of us,” she concluded.