COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Ukraine will continue to have the support of the international community – as long as it continues on its path of reform.
That was the message given repeatedly at the second international Ukraine Reform Conference, held in the Danish capital of Copenhagen on June 27, co-hosted by Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and his Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen.
Conference attendees included representatives of the G7, European Union and NATO countries at the level of foreign ministers, secretaries of state and ambassadors.
The conference opened with a discussion about the progress Ukraine has made, and the problems that still remain. Rasmussen in his opening remarks praised Ukraine for its pivot to Europe, but warned there was now no going back for the country.
“Day-by-day Ukraine is moving closer to its European friends,” Rasmussen said. “A new Ukraine is rising slowly but steadily. You have turned a scenario of regression into a window of opportunity, and that calls for respect and admiration.”
“But in order for progress to continue, reforms must go on. That will show Russia that breaching international law and principles is not tolerated. European values – freedom, democracy, humanity and rule of law – are the foundation of all countries that drive for a prosperous future.”
Rasmussen congratulated Ukraine on its adoption of a bill to set up an anti-corruption court – one of the conditions set by Ukraine’s international backers, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, for the continuation of their financial aid programs.
“It is a major breakthrough. I trust the Ukrainian government will ensure that the court becomes operational as soon as possible,” the Danish prime minister said.
But Rasmussen also warned that some reforms were still going too slowly – held back by certain business and political interests in Ukraine.
“Some economic and political interested are trying to prevent change – populists forces say that prosperity can be achieved without painful reforms,” Rasmussen said.
“If they succeed in Ukraine, the impact could be dramatic.”
Federica Mogherini, the high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, also stressed that the EU continues to stand by Ukraine.
“I would like to commend and praise the Prime Minister (of Ukraine, Volodymyr Groysman) and all his government for the work done already, and to … support all those reforms that are still to be achieved,” Mogherini said.
“We are here with you.”
At the same time, Mogherini said Ukraine’s reforms “are not taking place in a void.”
“The challenges are huge, because of the conflict in the east and because of the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula. The European Union has always underlined Russia’s responsibility for this, and we continue to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence in a united and decisive manner.”
She also congratulated Ukraine on its decision to create an anti-corruption court, but said the court should also take on already existing corruption case, such as the one against the head of the State Fiscal Service, Roman Nasirov.
“I would like to congratulate you on this, and once the court is fully established, Ukraine will be able to live up to the standards recommended by the Venice Commission. It is important in that in the transitional phase the anti-corruption court also deals with existing court cases.”
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in his speech at the conference underlined that “there two parallel struggles taking place in Ukraine – to resist external aggression, and the other to build security and prosperity through domestic reform, and these two things are linked.”
“We all recognize that the achievements of the Ukrainian government have come against a background of Russian aggression,” Johnson said. “We must remind our friends and allies around the world about the reality of the threat Ukraine faces. I’m very encouraged by what you are doing in the face of this aggression. The UK will be there.”
Johnson also noted that next year at the presidential and parliamentary elections the people of Ukraine will be able “to give their verdict on the record of their leaders in building a more democratic stable and prosperous country.”
“With great respect to the leaders here, the outcome of that election is unknown,” Johnson said. “That is more that you can say about the outcome of the election in a big neighbor of Ukraine, where the outcome was known for a years in advance,” he went on, in a dig at Russia and its authoritarian leader Vladimir Putin.
“That is a fundamental difference! You have a great future. It will not always be easy, there will be difficult decisions that have to be taken, but I want you to know that UK is here to help!”
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland also noted the continued threat posed by Russia, not just to Ukraine, but to the rest of the democratic world.
“Ukraine matters today more than ever, because liberal democracy and a rules-based international order are under attack around the world,” Freeland said.
“One of the world’s critical battlegrounds is Ukraine. The success of Ukrainian democracy and market reforms is first and foremost essential for Ukrainians, but also essential for everyone who believes in the international rules-based order and liberal democracy,” she said.
Freeland also called for the immediate release of Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was arrested by Russia’s occupation authorities in Ukraine’s Crimea, subjected to a sham trial on bogus terrorism charges, sentenced to 20 years, and sent to a prison in Siberia. Sentsov has been on hunger strike for more than a month, demanding that Russia release other Ukrainian hostages.
Next, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics also said that Latvia fully supports reform in Ukraine, both bilaterally and via EU reforms assistance.
“What is really important is that there is the political will to conduct reforms,” Rinkevics said.
“It’s going to be difficult during the election campaign, but I think it is very important that people see the results of reforms. What is also very important is that Ukraine and the people of Ukraine do feel support, not only when it comes to lecturing about reforms, but also when it comes to very symbolic gestures. With political and practical support I believe that one day we will welcome Ukraine into European Union.”
The rest of the speakers also expressed support for Ukraine and the reforms in the country, especially its fight against corruption.
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom reiterated the main message of the conference – Ukraine will continue to have international support, if it continues to reform.
“If you continue reform we will continue to support you, we will be there at your side,” Wallstrom said.
