On Feb. 24, Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. Exactly six months later, on Aug. 24, Ukrainians celebrate 31 years of independence. But this year’s Independence Day is arguably a time for non-celebratory reflection on what has been achieved and what has not. It is a time to show pride in the feats of our defenders on the frontline and actions of dignity in the rear. It is also an opportune moment to dream – and dream big – for an economically strong and free Ukraine.
A year ago, Ukrainians shared in a special anniversary – we celebrated the 30th year of our country’s independence. It was a real holiday and one on which to raise a glass to Ukraine, remember its history, discuss achievements and plans for the future with family and friends.
Yet, despite two revolutions and Anti-Terrorist Operations (ATOs), we were clearly somewhat naïve in the fact we firmly believed in justice and a happy life.
This year, Ukraine is 31 years old. On the same day, we mark 180 days of a full-scale war with Russia. Over the course of this year so far, we have grown up and become wiser. We have begun to hate enemies more feverishly and fear more for the lives of friends, relatives and even strangers.
We have lived through the atrocities of Borodianka, Bucha and Irpin; the total destruction of Mariupol; repeated bombardments of Chernihiv and Kharkiv; and vile attacks on Odesa, Vinnytsia and Kremenchuk. The list goes on. We have felt pain and an uncontrollable desire to retaliate; and we rejoice upon hearing of the number of enemy personnel killed and their equipment destroyed.
We have managed to rally during the war, but I’m afraid we will disperse once again to political quarters the day after it ends.
During the years of our independence, they have tried to divide us into Ukrainian and Russian speakers, “Easterners” and “Westerners”, leftists and rightists. Today, we have finally been born as a single Ukrainian political nation, which is ready to fight to the death for its existence.
But ultimately, Ukrainians do not need to prove anything to anyone. We are and will always be Ukrainian.
Let’s take a look at what have we managed to achieve in 31 years.
Democratic state
First and foremost, Ukraine has been constructed as a democratic state.
Despite the destructive pressure of various politicians, Ukraine’s democratic institutions have proved their viability. Periodic elections are held in which our nation votes for its preferred leader like democracies the world over. We have experienced that feeling of optimism wherein we sincerely love and support our chosen ones in their first year in office, then hate them just as sincerely for the rest of their term.
We are a European country. Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred laid down their lives for our first step on the long road to the European family. Without them, there would have been no Revolution of Dignity, nor would the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union (EU) have been signed eight years ago.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression in February, thousands of soldiers have given their lives so that Ukraine would become a candidate for membership of the EU. A long path of change lies ahead in politics, the economy, and strengthening the fight against corruption.
But I know for sure that – mentally – we are Europeans. And during the Soviet era, we were artificially torn from the European family, to which we are now on a difficult journey to return.
A market economy
We are a country with a market economy. Yes, admittedly, we have a “Ukrainian-style” market economy which, unfortunately, is not currently socially oriented.
Oligarchs, through control over television and party financial infusions, have a great influence on political and economic processes.
Corruption has covered Ukraine’s economic body with sores. We need to fight it, and we are doing so by creating and implementing systemic anti-corruption mechanisms.
Ukraine also continues to suffer from a corrupt and unfair judicial system, which negatively affects the provision of citizens’ rights and business development.
But we are able to learn and create new innovative industries. In the past, the basis of our economy was metallurgy. That was joined by agriculture and today the burgeoning IT industry sits among them. Indeed, Ukrainian IT professionals are among the best in the world.
Forefront of geopolitics
A few years ago, Ukraine was a second-row country on the geopolitical chessboard, vying to demonstrate its foreign policy efforts. Today, Ukraine has risen in statue and become an influential subject of foreign policy. We are shaping the world agenda and setting the tone in geopolitical projects.
And this is not only to the credit of our respected diplomats. We have won international hearts and minds on the battlefield by standing up to Russian aggression.
The future
I’m an idealist, and I keep making plans. Despite these days of pain, grief and blood, the war has not destroyed my ability to dream.
I dream of a beautiful, European and democratic Ukraine; a peaceful Ukraine where the life of every Ukrainian is protected and valued; a country where workers receive a decent salary and pensioners receive a pension; where business develops freely and where the best education and health care are available.
No, I will not disclose all my dreams. It would be better read the Constitution of Ukraine where words intertwined with our country’s dreams are laid out in full.
So, what needs to happen to make our dreams come true?
- A free economy: As the basis for everything, this means a powerful economy that develops itself freely without the negative influence of oligarchs and corruption, the pressure of inspection bodies and the tax office;
- Development of the agriculture and digital economies: Food is always needed and the future is digital – let’s also not forget space;
- Science and science-intensive innovation: War is already a driver of innovation and now, before our eyes, innovative Ukrainian products (not least modern weapons and equipment) are growing rapidly;
- Business support: We need maximum support for small and medium-sized businesses, simplification of the tax system, a transition from income tax to tax on turnover and on withdrawn capital, and severe financial penalties for non-payment;
- Democracy, the further development of democratic institutions and a powerful middle class: These elements are key to a market-based, socially oriented economy, along with the transition from a parliamentary-presidential system to a purely parliamentary republic;
- Reform: Completion of decentralization reform with the appropriate transfer of financial resources to localities; preservation of a rigid system of management in conditions of war; and the creation of a fair judicial system.
A strong Armed Forces of Ukraine
I am not only an idealist, but also a realist and a militarist. Everything we dream about can become a reality if we win the war and can sustain a powerful Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In Ukraine, the cult of the army should prevail, including respect for each serviceman, who should receive a decent payment for his service.
The size of Ukraine’s professional army should always be determined according to the calculations of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. That is, if they say we need 300,000 military personnel, we should maintain 300,000. We must also continue to ensure a highly motivated Territorial Defense Unit, whose members hold regular meetings and keep weapons and ammunition at home.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine should be equipped with the latest equipment – aircraft of at least generation 4++, modern air defense equipment, tanks, anti-aircraft missiles, self-propelled guns and other weapons.
You may say that all sounds expensive. Yes, it won’t be cheap. But that is where a powerful economy and strict discipline in paying taxes will help.
I am ready to pay dollars and hryvnias for modern weapons, but I am definitely not ready to pay with the blood of Ukrainians.
As we say – everything will be Ukraine!
Ihor Zhdanov is a co-founder of the Open Policy Foundation, a National Government Organization (NGO) in Ukraine.
The views expressed are the author’s and not necessarily those of the Kyiv Post.
