Skopje, 22 September 2022 (MIA) - We're witnessing the biggest security crisis after the end of the Cold War. We're going through exceptionally difficult and dramatic times as a result of what is happening in Ukraine due to the war and Russia's shameless aggression against another European nation, which results in thousands of victims, Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska said Thursday. The Russian aggression against Ukraine has proven to us that unfortunately peace is not guaranteed and that the international order based on rules can be disputed, Petrovska told today's conference on new realities after the Ukrainian crisis, organized by the University American College and UNHCR in North Macedonia. Despite the numerous mechanisms and tools for dialogue and diplomacy, she noted, unilateral decisions that bring violence, death and destruction cannot be stopped. "History, especially recent history, proved that the only way for final and sustainable solution can be achieved through dialogue. Forced and violent referendums announced to be held in the occupied parts of Ukraine are not the solution. Therefore, immediate truce is necessary and resolving of the conflict through diplomatic means," said Petrovska. Touching upon NATO's role and position, especially its defense and deterrence principle, the Minister said that NATO pays special attention to its core element to deter third countries from hostile actions. As regards security challenges, Petrovska said the list is long and complex - energy dependence, dependence on other resources, price shocks, climate change, cyber and hybrid threats, and disinformation. This reality requires redefining of the priorities and adapting, she stressed. Focusing on North Macedonia's place in the context of the security crisis, Petrovska said the current state of play demonstrates that the political decisions, which weren't always simple nor popular, were the right ones. "In 2018, a not so simple and popular decision had been made to close the dispute with Greece. Thanks to this agreement, North Macedonia became a NATO member. It was proven over time that the decisions were the right ones. North Macedonia serves as an exceptional example for the Balkan countries on how they should look ahead toward the future," she told conference attendees.