On February 8, 2025, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, visited the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv. During his visit, he met with His Beatitude Sviatoslav (Shevchuk), Grand Chancellor of UCU, discussed potential collaboration, and addressed the students.
Key Highlights of the Visit
1. Facing a New Type of War
Zaluzhnyi emphasized that Ukraine is enduring a war of attrition, characterized by relentless drone and missile attacks targeting infrastructure and civilians, coupled with information warfare aimed at undermining morale. He warned that such strategies are designed to weaken Ukraine’s resolve.
2. The Need for a Global Coalition
According to Zaluzhnyi, the war will not end until a global coalition is formed to stop the aggressor. “Ukraine is bleeding, but it miraculously continues to fight the ‘axis of evil.’ We must rely on ourselves, God, and our partners,” he stated.
3. Vision of Victory
He envisions victory as the fragmentation of Russia into smaller states, stripped of its nuclear arsenal. However, Zaluzhnyi believes the world is not yet prepared for such a transformation.
4. NATO’s Current Role
Zaluzhnyi described NATO as primarily a political and economic organization, no longer functioning effectively as a military alliance. He called for new security structures to address modern threats.
5. Education as a Key Resource
The ambassador highlighted education as a powerful tool for Ukraine’s influence abroad. He urged the development of Ukrainian schools overseas, particularly in the UK, and stressed the need to digitize the archives of the Union of Ukrainians in Britain to preserve Ukrainian heritage.
Meeting with UCU Senate and Students
During the UCU Senate meeting, Zaluzhnyi discussed collaborative opportunities between the university and Ukrainian institutions abroad. His Beatitude Sviatoslav presented him with the book “Ukraine Stands! Ukraine Fights! Ukraine Prays!”
In his address to students, moderated by Valentina Zasadko, Director of UCU’s School of Public Administration, Zaluzhnyi shared his leadership philosophy. He emphasized honesty, humility, and a people-centered approach as the cornerstones of effective management.
Quote of the Day
“Remember the people, yourself, and the task at hand. Combine this with virtues, and you will succeed,” Zaluzhnyi advised, inspiring students to uphold their values in leadership roles.