After the Illusion of Peace: How to Act Toward Ukraine Without Populism

Source: Author’s Facebook page

Zelenskyy has told the media what he intends to do if — as he strikingly crossed out — the Russians derail the peace talks.

“I understand that we need to be realistic about everything, but look — if this or that process for a peaceful resolution of the war does not succeed, ending the pressure on Russia is like running a long-distance race, like a marathon. We need to pull ourselves together, find another path, and do everything all over again to bring this war to an end.”
Wordy and convoluted.

1. Increase support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This parliamentary week, the budget for next year is under review. Corrupt and populist spending must be eliminated, directing funds instead to the army and to the protection of communities, rather than aimlessly handing out “thousands” or free tickets during the winter.

2. Strengthen diplomatic efforts. Even an extended presidential tour cannot resolve the problems accumulated over years of “Yermak’s foreign policy.” Again, this parliamentary week, Zelenskyy should meet with parliamentary factions to develop a joint plan and begin its implementation.

3. Accelerate the implementation of technological developments — both for the front lines and for adapting the energy sector and protecting communities.

4. Free the war economy from constraints. Vote not for empty proposals placed on the Verkhovna Rada’s agenda, but for real simplification of procedures and the removal of corrupt pressures on developers, manufacturers, and importers.

5. Rapidly implement EU requirements for accelerated accession, achieving “upfront” criteria such as anti-corruption reforms, the reboot of the State Bureau of Investigation, and judicial cleansing.

All of this is easiest to accomplish in an atmosphere of trust and cooperation, which is precisely why a unity coalition and a government of national salvation are necessary.

Straightforward steps.

They still need to be taken.

“Why hold back? Why make the wrong choice at every step?”

On the eve of the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the start of talks with representatives from the U.S., focusing on security matters and the coordination of joint efforts. At the same time, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump indicated its readiness to provide Ukraine with security guarantees based on the principle of NATO’s Article 5, which is claimed to carry legal force.

Meanwhile, the first round of talks between the US and Ukrainian delegations has concluded in Berlin. The talks lasted more than 5 hours and continued on December 15. According to German journalists, the American side is preliminarily assessing the Berlin format of the talks as one that has prospects for further dialogue. At the same time, the Russian side is expressing scepticism about the negotiation process.

In addition, Russia has announced its intention to reject Ukrainian and European amendments to the peace plan to end the war against Ukraine. The Kremlin claims that it will not agree to any changes, in particular on territorial issues.

Also, follow “Pryamyi” on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram.

• Materials published in the “OPINIONS” section reflect the opinion of the author of the publication, who bears full responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
• The editorial staff of prm.ua may not share the opinions expressed in the author’s material.
• The owner of the webpage in the “OPINIONS” section is the author of the publication.