Editor’s Note: As Ukraine gets set to inaugurate its sixth president by June 2, the Kyiv Post is asking Ukrainians who live abroad to send in their picture (mug shot) with answers to the following three questions for publication. Please keep responses brief — no more than 200 words for each answer or 600 words in all. Include contact details for verification as well as full name, occupation and country of residence. A selection of respondents will be published periodically before Volodymyr Zelenskiy is sworn in as president. Send responses/photos with the subject header “Ukrainian Voices From Abroad” to Kyiv Post chief editor Brian Bonner at [email protected]
Sasha Borovik is a Ukrainian native who served as deputy governor of Odesa Oblast and first deputy minister of economy in Ukraine. He is an attorney and technology entrepreneur based in Munich, Germany.
Kyiv Post: What do you hope for most from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy?
Sasha Borovik: President Petro Poroshenko’s supporters, which include many in the Ukrainian diaspora abroad, saw him as an indispensable statesman who has achieved remarkable things for Ukraine. As Poroshenko’s opponent, I recognize all that. But I argue that the structure of the society and the system of politics under Poroshenko have not really changed. I claim that Poroshenko has fully embraced the tactics that have come to define the old brand of Ukraine. The Ukrainian nation still has to become a multicultural, multiethnic, multi-faith, egalitarian democracy. I hope Zelenskiy will pursue policies promoting such Ukraine. I am concerned though that there are early signs that his election may represent a surge in politics that lacks substance and is driven by a need for constant entertainment.
Kyiv Post; What is the No. 1 priority facing Ukraine?
Sasha Borovik: Ukraine has many No.1 priorities, and Zelenskiy will not have the fortune to be able to tackle them in any particular order – he will face major domestic and international issues all at the same time. The country remains under-reformed, its economy is archaic, and its population is poor. The war with Russia is still simmering in the country’s east. It is hard to reform the economy of a poor country – especially so when it is at war. When approaching the issues, Zelenskiy will face many chicken and egg problems. But in practical terms, he will spend the next few months campaigning for the parliament leading his political party that today not only lacks ideology – it does not even exist. It is hard to accomplish something of substance when you are campaigning. In this respect, his priority should be to unite all those who aspire to safeguard a fair, free, and open society. Together, they should run for parliament as well as for state and local offices, win important posts, combat the corruption that cripples Ukraine, appoint new judges, and do things that demonstrate that this new liberal class is ready to take full responsibility for the future of the country.
Kyiv Post: What is the biggest obstacle that the new president must overcome to achieve success?
Sasha Borovik: It is doubtful that Zelenskiy can effectively tackle many domestic issues without managing the complex international ones. He will find this as challenging as anyone would. In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine with determination, speed and the use of hybrid tactics. Russia’s strategic goals in Ukraine have not been achieved so far. However much the Russian economy suffers under Western sanctions, Russia will not give up Ukraine. It will be raising the stakes on Zelensky’s watch. The map of multiple international issues through which Zelensky will need to navigate when formulating and articulating his international policies is very complex. Pursuing any policy will be complicated for Zelensky because he has not received a clear mandate on any domestic or foreign policy. One may anticipate that his broad public support will start crumbling as he tackles the thorny issues on which Ukraine is divided. Thus, any arrangement will require from Zelensky smart balancing, intense shuttle diplomacy nationally and internationally, as well as consensus-building in Ukraine. It is hard to move fast when you need to do all that.
