The democratically conducted elections are a new start for
Ukraine. Bravo to its citizens for
standing their ground and coming out in large numbers in patriotic colours and
costumes to make their choice for a united, pro European country. They categorically denied President Vladimir
Putin a control of Ukraine he so desperately craves.
Although Ukrainians have made democrats around the world
proud, Mr. Putin’s weasel words are prophetic: He promised the election wouldn’t
change his relations with feisty Ukraine.
The next day, Russia’s sniper unit Vostok, known for its extreme
brutality in Chechnya, attacked Donetsk airport killing five and wounding 30 so
far. Other battles are erupting at the
railway station and in Mariupol.
Convoys or Russian trucks and ships are approach Ukraine’s
boarders.
Cleaning out nests of Russia’s terrorists is president-elect
Poroshenko’s first test. He must bring
calm and order to Ukraine. In his
post-election speech he promised anti-terrorist re-enforcements.
The West is being tested too. Although Vladimir Putin’s words “no NATO
membership for Ukraine” has kept NATO at bay, this is a key bargaining chip in
dealing with Russia. It must withdraw
its snipers or Ukraine’s membership should become a fait accompli. Ukraine did
its part now the West must follow suit.
NATO involvement notwithstanding, it would be prudent for Poroshenko
to convince friends like Poland, Latvia, Slovakia and others to join Ukraine in
creating a distinct FOF—force of friends—to provide a physical and
psychological counterweight to Russia’s avarice for the neighbourhood’s
sovereign territories.
Perhaps Britain might be engaged to participate with its
considerable expertise in fighting international terrorism. The UK is a good link into the US, Canada,
Australia and others that are not fooled by Kremlin’s rhetoric and lies of
seeking peace while practicing chaos.
The second test for Poroshenko is the return of a
vibrant economy. Ukraine was the economic
motor of the former USSR. It has great
potential. Much work to ensure this has
already been done and waiting for action.
Certainly the signing of the EU Association Agreement is of highest
priority. Its reform package is ready to
go forward. Similarly, the loans from
international entities lead by IMF, and contributions from EU, the US, Japan
and others are reform-oriented and set to go.
Part of getting Ukraine’s economy in order consists of
ending internal corruption. The new
president might start by separating business from politics. Currently, most oligarchs are both
politicians and owners of huge industrial complexes. This ensures astronomical personal profits. Cleaning up corruption means profits for the
state from paid-up taxes by the wealthiest and repatriation of their off shore
wealth. In 2013 alone, oligarch money
made from the state was said to be greater than the size of Ukraine’s entire
budget of ??
Poroshenko promised to set an example. He’s selling his chocolate business to
eliminate conflict of interest and profiteering. Meanwhile, the international community is
instigating sanctions against Ukraine’s oligarchs including Yanukovych and his inner circle. Their
wealth has been frozen and is to be revert to Ukraine. This will add billions to Ukraine’s budget.
However, given Putin’s post-election bad temper—his
military aggression in Ukraine is mounting– it is also mandatory for the West
to put Russia on the world’s list of terror exporting states with Syria and
Iran. Strong economic sanctions need
activating to ensure the message of non aggression hits home. The personal sanction lists must include Mr.
Putin and company. He is reported to
hold up to forty billion dollars in personal assets managed by an insider
circle of mafiosos: he is the main offender.
Without such force, Western sanctions are but minor
irritants to be dismissed while global unrests and criminality on a scale the
world has never seen disrupt law and order spreading chaos.
The West’s mushiness towards Russia is amply demonstrated by
the shameful invitation to Putin to participate in the D-Day
celebrations in Normandy. The current
leader of global destabilization is to celebrate a historic event designed to
underscore that such terror must never happen again: he must be
disinvited. If the Red Army is to be
honored invite the survivors of Ukraine’s First Red Army Division that marched
in to Berlin. Or its new president to
show respect for the greatest loss of humanity—some 14 million—of the War. Be honest not shaming.
There are endless number of other priorities the new
president of Ukraine must address including prosecuting terrorists who ordered
the now some 200 deaths of Ukraine’s patriots; punishing treason; dealing with
poverty, unemployment, low standard of living.
All are fixable over time providing Mr. Poroshenko can secure Ukraine’s
boarders, regain control of internal security, and declare war on corruption in
order to normalize the economy.
Ukraine’s democratic friends must step up. The Ukrainians have showed tremendous
dedication to freedom and liberty. Their
fight is as much ours. Let’s not waver
any longer.
Oksana Bashuk Hepburn is a Canadian international
opinion writer.
