As NATO leaders gathered in Ankara for their annual summit, on the meeting’s sidelines Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, attended a panel discussion on how Ukraine was now a “Guarantor of European Security”. The subject proved to be remarkably percipient. JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. In its declaration released at the end of the summit on Wednesday, the alliance said: “Ukraine contributes to transatlantic security, and Allies stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” This was explicit recognition that Ukraine is now embedded in Europe’s security framework, and is, as Sybiha said at the discussion, a “provider of security and a reliable partner that contributes to strengthening security”. “Ukraine,” he added, “no longer merely needs protection.” This reflects a remarkable transition. When the Russian army launched its massive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country was expected, even by some of the wisest of military experts, to fold, but it didn’t. Ukraine fought on, bolstered by Western military support that helped it first check the Russian advance, and then helped it drive the Russian troops backwards. Ukraine has since fought off successive Russian offensives, leaving the war pretty much deadlocked.