TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Observers shared perspectives on the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the 4th Czechia-Taiwan Forum in Taipei.
Mariia Makarovych, head of the Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine’s East Asia Office, said that Ukrainians have shown they have “the courage to continue fighting and protect themselves in the past three years.”
Cooperation between European countries, including Czechia, and Asia, where Taiwan plays a crucial role, is “more important than ever,” Makarovych said, because security is increasingly interconnected.
Supporting Ukraine’s security and achieving fair peace is not only about Ukraine but protecting other countries, she said. Agreeing to a quick peace on Russia’s terms sends the wrong message that authoritarian regimes “can freely do whatever they want,” she said.
To avoid this, the LDLU official said democracies need to “stay strong together for Ukraine” and continue addressing the security situations in other parts of the world, including in the Taiwan Strait.
In terms of reconstruction aid, Taiwan and Czechia already have established “pretty good mechanisms” to help Ukraine rebuild its electric infrastructure and education facilities. Both countries are also helping to improve access to drinking water.
Rebuilding the nation must happen now, Makarovych said. “We cannot wait until the war stops.”
Marek Stys, head of Czech non-profit People in Need’s emergency programs, said his organization’s greatest achievement was the mobilization of public support in the wake of the Russian invasion. Czech public donations helped “kick start” relief programs for Ukrainian refugees, including food supplies, winter clothes, and sleeping bags, he said.
Such solidarity demonstrated to the US and European countries that even in times of uncertainty, relief was possible, Stys said. The organization is working with more than 200 other groups to rebuild infrastructure and provide access to housing, education, and mental health services.
Stys pointed out that the Ukrainians are not solely relying on others — they are “helping themselves.”
Mitch Yang (楊明超), a managing partner at Taiwania Capital and an entrepreneur, expressed interest in investing and cooperating with Ukrainian companies in the drone industry. Yang said he was looking to develop aerial, surface, and ground drones for use in war and peacetime.
Taiwan can use its strengths in ICT and supply chain logistics, while Ukraine can share its drone operation experience, he said. “There’s a great potential.”
Taiwan signed a memorandum of understanding with People in Need earlier this month to provide counseling and psychological support for young Ukrainians in the Czech Republic and later in Ukraine if they return home.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged on Monday to continue sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The ministry said Taiwan will partner with like-minded countries to respond to harassment and threats from authoritarian regimes.
