International panel discussion “Future of Ukraine”: how has Ukraine changed and what will our future be like?

What has changed in our society after the Revolution of Dignity and have these changes taken root in 7 years? How should Ukraine respond to internal and external challenges, in particular, to counter corruption and Russian aggression? What place does our country take in the world?

The participants of the international online discussion “The Future of Ukraine” together sought answers to these questions. The event was organized by Aspen Institute UK and Aspen Institute Kyiv.

Speakers of the event were:

• Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine;
• Vadym Prystaiko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
• Marcin Święcicki, business ombudsman in Ukraine;
• Melinda Simmons, Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Great Britain in Ukraine;
• Yuliya Tychkivska, executive director of Aspen Institute Kyiv.

The dialogue was moderated by Natalia Antelava, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Coda Media.

We share the main theses voiced at the event:

Today, Ukraine has actually become the frontier of European democracy. Therefore, its future is decisive both for Europe in general and for the preservation and spread of liberal values.

— Ukraine shows the world an example of fighting for its values. When we talk about democracy and dignity, these are not just empty words. This is very valuable for our Western partners. Yuliya Tychkivska, executive director of Aspen Institute Kyiv, said during the conversation.

Ukraine’s value choice can also be considered one of the reasons for Russia’s military aggression.

— It is unfortunate to realize this, but Ukraine is still far from the end of the war, because we are not fighting for physical space, but for values ​​and respect, — said Olga Stefanishyna.

According to Vadym Prystaiko, the main problem today is that the regime of the Russian Federation promotes hatred.

— We could easily talk to our neighbors, we lived next to each other for many years. However, because of hatred, we cannot have a dialogue.

Today, Ukraine is in a position of equal relations with its international partners, but at the same time, it has no fantasies about rapid European integration. We do not expect a stronger ally to protect us, but primarily work on our own defense capabilities. However, Melinda Simmons noted:

— A safe and secure country is not only about strengthening the troops. It is also openness to trade and the ability to attract investments, which become possible only under the conditions of transparency, absence of corruption and strong institutions. And this will not happen without reforms, some of which will last for years.

However, Marcin Święcicki the business ombudsman in Ukraine, emphasized the positive changes in Ukrainian society since independence, and especially after the Revolution of Dignity.

 — Despite difficult challenges, Ukraine will continue to maintain a pro-European vector of development. And, despite a certain slowness of changes, they are moving in the right direction.