In February 2026, Lesia Orobets, founder of Price of Freedom, took part in Café Kyiv in Berlin — one of the largest Ukraine-focused events in Europe. This year’s key themes included new defense capabilities, the advancement of drone technologies, and the role of Ukraine’s experience in strengthening Europe’s security.
The event brought together more than 5,000 guests and featured panel discussions, film screenings, exhibitions, concerts, and the Skrynya Pop-Up Market.
Lesia took part in several panel discussions, where she presented Ukraine’s experience and shared her vision of new solutions for international partners.
The New Frontline: Civil Society’s Role in Modern Warfare and Ukraine’s Drone Revolution
The discussion focused on Ukraine’s experience, which can strengthen Europe’s resilience, highlight the role of civil society in driving innovation and defense, and show how European partners need to rethink their approaches to security and readiness in today’s world. Ukraine possesses unique practical experience that is best learned on the ground, where the real conditions and pace of change on the battlefield can be seen firsthand. The conversation also addressed how frozen Russian assets could be used to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction.
Among the honored speakers were:
- Iryna Krasnostan, Program Director ICUV, former analyst at the NATO Representation to Ukraine
- Lesia Orobets, leader of the Sky Shield Initiative, former member of Ukrainian Parliament
- Taras Tymochko, Project Lead, Come Back Alive
- Nils Thal, German professional firefighter from Nuremberg who volunteered to work with the State Emergency Service in Kharkiv, Ukraine
- Moderator: Inna Nelles, Co-founder, German-Ukrainian Bureau
Lesia emphasized that Europe has much to learn from Ukraine. Over four years of full-scale war, the country has gained unique experience, particularly in the use of drones, making Ukraine a true “drone superpower.” European countries need to actively prepare independently, rather than rely solely on the United States.
There are two approaches: the American and the Ukrainian. The American approach focuses on producing the best possible weapons with maximum specifications and high costs. The Ukrainian approach emphasizes speed and efficiency, often acting literally “yesterday.” Our solutions are tested directly on the battlefield, providing real, practical experience in challenging conditions.
Lesia Orobets, founder of Price of Freedom
How Europe and Ukraine Can Win the Information War
The next discussion focused on Ukraine’s defense, seen as the first line of protection for Germany and Europe against the Russian threat. It examined how losing the information war in Europe could directly affect the course of the conflict in Ukraine, and explored what politicians, media, businesses, and civil society can do to strengthen support for Ukraine today.
Among the speakers:
- Lesia Orobets,, Leader of the Sky Shield Initiative, former member of the Ukrainian parliament
- Peter Talos, Junior Sergeant, Azov International, National Guard of Ukraine
- Julian Röpcke, Senior Editor Security Policy
Learn2Ukraine. From Reactive Support to Strategic Deterrence
The discussion highlighted how Ukraine implements battlefield innovations, integrates air defense, and counters drones in the modern drone warfare. Europe needs to shift from reactive support to a strategic approach and outline concrete steps in 2026 to protect cities and strengthen security.
Panellists:
- Lesia Orobets,, Leader of the Sky Shield Initiative, former member of the Ukrainian parliament
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Dr John Karlsrud, Research Professor and Head of the Research group on peace, conflict and development at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
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Marcus Welsch, OSINT and data analyst, author of the Ukraine Air War Monitor
