Today's technologies develop so fast that it's no longer possible to improve and innovate on cybersec products in isolated environments. Their real value can only be seen and evaluated in the most demanding real-world environments. Among such environments, Ukraine is increasingly becoming the world-renowned forge of next-gen cybersecurity products and services. Even though Ukraine might not be in the center of global spotlight anymore, its role in cybersecurity innovation is only becoming more vital. Here's why. Here's why. Ukrainians Are Interested in Sustainable Partnerships This spring, I co-organized the Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum. Our goal was not only to discuss industry innovation but to further nurture it in Ukraine. As someone building systems under pressure, I understand the value of international collaboration. No cybersecurity ecosystem can evolve in isolation. That's why this Forum was designed as an entry point, in both the conceptual and physical senses of the word. We invited international companies to come to Ukraine, meet local teams, and see for themselves what opportunities the country offers. Getting people to experience Ukraine firsthand was challenging. Yet we wanted companies to see beyond headlines, get to know our people, and understand the reality on the ground. WithSecure did exactly that. It's a Finnish cybersecurity firm I met at the Munich Security Conference. They accepted our invitation and attended the Forum. That was their first visit to Ukraine, and what they witnessed convinced them to enter the Ukrainian market and join efforts with local cybersec experts. I strive for more long-term partnerships of this kind to be formed, based on mutual benefit and shared commitment. Ukraine's Cybersecurity Is Set for Long-Term Innovation In 2024 alone, Ukraine faced over 4,300 cyberattacks. Most came from state-sponsored advanced persistent threats – Fancy Bear, Cozy Bear, Gamaredon. Since we're at war, those attacks targeted the most critical services: energy, transportation, finance, and health. In March 2025, a coordinated attack disrupted the Ukrainian railway system. Ticketing systems went down, operations slowed, and civilian mobility suffered. And this came just weeks after a separate wave of attacks temporarily shut down access to state registries. Real estate deals, business formation, and even marriage licenses became impossible to organize. 4,300 cyberattacks Those attacking Ukraine conduct sustained, adaptive campaigns that combine technical intrusion, social engineering, infrastructure disruption, and psychological manipulation. To withstand such attacks, cybersec teams must be able to work quickly and precisely under pressure. Every technical, procedural, or human weakness in such an environment gets exposed fast. Only the best products and technologies that can be well-integrated into their operations will meet their needs and enable sustainable protection. For international cybersec businesses, access to such teams, their expertise, and experience unlocks long-term opportunities for growth and innovation that are hard to find anywhere else. And for Ukraine, the presence of international technology powerhouses and innovation leaders creates new opportunities to defend against future coordinated threats. Local Presence Builds the Trust Enabling Long-Term Partnerships The cybersec domain in Ukraine is deeply interconnected with national defense, emergency response, and critical infrastructure protection. At any moment, we expect multi-vector attacks supported by info ops and social engineering and followed by kinetic strikes on exposed targets. We have systems like Delta, developed by the Aerorozvidka NGO and the Ministry of Defence, to support battlefield awareness. We also have national incident response teams like CERT-UA that counter campaigns such as WRECKSTEL in live environments. Access to such security ecosystems, operational protocols, and expertise requires trust that is impossible to build remotely. The trust that can be earned through a partner's readiness to navigate local regulatory and defense protocols, willingness to contribute real value, and long-term commitment to sustainable innovation in the industry. With a trusted local presence in Ukraine, modern cybersecurity companies gain a competitive edge that allows them to innovate and grow their products in ways few others in the field can match. The Best Time To Engage Was Yesterday The world is becoming increasingly hostile. The focus of massive cyberattacks can easily expand to other countries at any moment. We can only build cutting-edge cybersecurity ecosystems that are tested against real-world threats and prepared to withstand them through united, long-term partnerships. In Ukraine, when asked about the deadline for a new urgent task, we often say: "It was yesterday". The best time to engage in such partnerships was also yesterday. Every delay has meant missed opportunities to harden defenses, protect infrastructure, and safeguard lives. The urgency is real, but so is the opportunity. Innovate in Ukraine today — secure your business tomorrow.

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