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Ukraine is climbing towards true democracy – but we need the West’s help

Three years ago, Ukraine was still wavering between a creeping authoritarian rule and a fading democracy. Many, including myself, looked with enthusiasm towards a groundbreaking association agreement with the EU being inked in late November 2013. Failing to meet those expectations came as a humiliation for millions of Ukrainians, who aspired for welfare, respect, and above all a definitive break with the past.

Quickly, mass protests spiraled into what we now call the Revolution of Dignity, an unrelenting display of our people’s will, that ultimately forced the bankrupt regime from power and breathed new hope into a future Ukraine that would be part of Europe.

The three years since then have not been an easy journey. One could hardly find another country in Europe, or beyond, which, whilst facing a foreign occupation, would undertake ambitious reforms from the ground up. Equally unique is our achievement of addressing both challenges simultaneously. Starting the reform process from scratch, we have gradually stopped the bleeding, especially in regards to the economic situation, thus strengthening our resilience.

Ukraine’s army is no longer weak and unprepared as it was back in 2014. Thanks to the expertise and assistance of our partners, including the US and the EU, and the bravery of the Ukrainian people, our military is now able to firmly stand its ground. Isn’t that what makes Russia’s forces in Donbass and their mercenaries nervous to the extent that they continue testing us by shelling along the contact line? Despite Ukraine’s numerous initiatives on a long-lasting ceasefire – something our military has always respected – the other side has displayed little restraint, deliberately breaking the peace and bringing more destruction and loss of life to my country.

But Russia shoots itself in the foot every time it fires a shot in Ukraine. Having started with Crimea in 2014, the Kremlin went on to target the Donbass to divert attention from its blatant violations of international law. Concealing the truth may work for a short while, but not forever. This November in New York, the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee decided against Russia’s lies in a draft resolution on human rights in Crimea. Upholding international law is not easy, but it is a solid and legitimate path. With this resolution to recognize Russia as an occupying power and Crimea as Ukraine’s territory under temporary occupation (not annexation!), we are preparing the ground for an imminent de-occupation of the peninsula. As stated back in 2014, we will bring Crimea back into Ukraine not by means of war, but by peace. And, most importantly, by example.

Ukrainian soldiers during a ceasefire outside Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine
Ukrainian soldiers during a ceasefire outside Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine Credit: Max Black/AP Photo

Ukraine has everything necessary for the latter, because our journey to European-style democracy has now passed a point of no return. We have held free and fair national and local elections. We have stabilised our economy against the double shock created by instability and war. We have cleaned up our banking system to bring back macro-economic stability. We have uprooted energy dependence on Russia. Indeed, for the first time in history, we have not bought a single cubic meter of gas from Russia in over a year. We have also established a new police and done away with the previous force, which for years has been notorious for corruption. We have made public procurement transparent under a new innovative system.

With millions of dollars saved, we are even starting to win Ukraine’s fight against corruption. For years, fed by Russia’s example and resources, this corruption became a weapon against Ukraine’s interests. In my opinion, there is nothing more effective than a resilient, transparent and vibrant political system. This is why we established our new anti-corruption e-declarations system in October. As a result of this mandatory process – the most advanced in the world – more than 103.000 officials, including myself, submitted their declarations of assets for full public scrutiny. By 2017, the number of e-declarations will multiply to more than 300.000 officials, removing every avenue to concealing corrupt activities.

Nationalist activists burn tires in Kiev on the third anniversary of the Euromaidan protests
Nationalist activists burn tires in Kiev on the third anniversary of the Euromaidan protests
Credit: Roman Pilipey/EPA

As we commemorate the third anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity, we are committed to continue on this path – however challenging it might be. After all, Ukrainians are the most euro-optimistic people. That is why a Ukrainian success story will also be a success story for the EU and beyond. In this effort, the continued backing of our partners is critical, be it for the swift ratification of the association agreement, visa free travel with the EU, political and financial assistance to Ukraine, or maintaining the sanctions policy against Russia.

Doing proper justice to the principles and sprit of the Revolution of Dignity, our partnership and solidarity with our Western partners needs to endure. Nothing would advance Ukraine’s reform efforts more successfully – and nothing would be more effective in deterring those who try to undermine us.

Petro Poroshenko is the President of Ukraine

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