“Since 2014, Ukraine has been fighting for its independence, freedom, democracy and respect for the rule of law. Not a single family in Ukraine has been spared from the consequences of this war.” For Sergii Chernov, a Ukrainian politician from Kharkiv, these last 11 years are the starting point for commenting on the ongoing attempts of world and European leaders to end more than three years of armed conflict. Ukrainians have suffered enormously. “Countless people are in the trenches defending the country, while many others support these efforts behind the scenes, in industry and administration. All of them are carrying out their duties in the most difficult of circumstances. Ukraine’s energy network has been damaged. Logistics have been damaged. Freight and passenger transport routes have to be repaired. We don’t know the exact figures, but millions of Ukrainians have left Ukraine to seek refuge in the European Union. It seems that more than a million are in Russia. We have a very difficult task ahead of us, including in the near future.”
Where to start?
Stop the war. Stop the Russians, also with weapons. Get the economy and employment back on track, and create the conditions for people to return to their homes. It’s not possible for the country to be supported by pensioners in the future. Ukraine will necessarily have to make a new start, and this new start must involve young people. Ukraine has huge potential. In technology, culture and science. This potential must be preserved.
The price paid is huge. How do you view the talks between the world’s great leaders from here?
It pains me to see that the fate of Ukraine is being planned without the involvement of Ukrainians. This wouldn’t happen if international law were enforced. The world is changing. Russia’s war against Ukraine shows that all the agreements made on paper since the Second World War have failed. Unfortunately, today, those with the most weapons and the most power have everything they want. It should be clear to Europe that there is no more time to dwell on the problems. Now is the time for decisions. This urgency doesn’t only apply to Ukraine, but also to many other countries facing ongoing conflicts. International mechanisms capable of effectively upholding human rights and recognising the legitimacy of national borders must be put in place.
Talks are focusing on the rare earths deal. What is your view on this kind of business diplomacy?
If foreign capital, including from the US and Europe, is invested in Ukraine, so much the better. Business will look after its own interests. We have neither the capacity to extract nor to seek these mineral resources. Nevertheless, this kind of aid must be regulated and fair. It should allow Ukraine to prosper. If such an opportunity arises, certain security conditions must be met for it to succeed.
If Zelensky were to sign the agreement with Trump, wouldn’t you feel somewhat betrayed? Would you feel that you accepted these conditions under threat?
It’s true, but we have no choice. What other country could give us the kind of help that America is giving us? People are dying every day. We lose more territory every day. If we don’t do something, in five, or seven years, Ukraine will be completely occupied. The most important thing for us is to preserve our sovereignty.
What are the prospects? Will there be a ceasefire soon?
It’s very hard to forecast the future and I’m not a fan of those who attempt to do so. This is a complex issue that requires complex analyses. It’s not just about Ukraine and Russia. It’s a global issue that touches on the relations between China, the United States and the Arab countries. I want to be optimistic. If the fighting stops by the end of the year, it will be a victory. But Ukraine cannot be left out of the equation. It needs to be involved in determining its fate. Whichever diplomatic channels are chosen, Ukraine will have to play an important role.
