Ukraine is at an extremely difficult moment in its history. Several crises have simultaneously overlapped in recent weeks.
The first is a security crisis, linked to the worsening global situation. The war in the Middle East has sharply changed the international agenda. It diverts the world’s attention from Ukraine. Along with attention, resources such as weapons and finances are flowing to that region. Negotiations on the format of peace and security guarantees for Ukraine are effectively on hold. Meanwhile, Russia receives a stroke of luck — an explosion in gas and oil prices, and even temporary lifting of sanctions.
The second crisis is the complete halt of European integration processes and reforms. People aspire to Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. Three months ago, Ukraine agreed with the Commissioner for Enlargement, Martha Kos, on a clear ten-step plan. It could be accomplished in about ten parliamentary days if there was political will.
Over one hundred days have passed. Not a single point has been fulfilled. The situation starts to resemble an old joke: a person prays every day for a lottery win but hasn’t even bought a ticket.
Third: the internal parliamentary crisis. It is not fabricated and not political rhetoric. It is real. The coalition, whose existence the Constitution requires, does not exist either de jure or de facto.
Tens of millions of Ukrainians have become hostages of a few dozen deputies, figures in corruption tapes. They have staged an Italian strike, blocking the parliament’s work, just because some do not like anti-corruption investigations, some demand the destruction of the tapes.
This is why it is time to emphasize: the way out of the crisis is a coalition of national unity. Since elections cannot be held during martial law, the only constitutional way out of the crisis is forming a new parliamentary majority with a new program of mature decisions. It should consist of at least three blocks.
The first is security. Strengthening defense, modernizing the army, restoring the international coalition supporting Ukraine, and active diplomacy to return the issue of security guarantees to the global agenda.
The second is social. Protecting people within the country. Raising pensions. Preparing for the next winter. Supporting the army, veterans, families of the military, and those who daily sustain the economy of a warring state.
The third is European integration. Instead of an auction of accession dates, reforms finally need to be made. The same ten steps agreed with the European Commission. And which the parliament can adopt literally in a few working days.
The European Solidarity faction is ready to vote for these decisions regardless of whether we are in the coalition or not. We are ready for a serious and responsible conversation with the President of Ukraine. Such a meeting should take place urgently — with the participation of the leadership of the parliament, government, and representatives of the democratic opposition.
Unfortunately, the authorities did not heed us at the end of 2021 when we warned of the danger of a major war. We very much hope that this time our words will be heard. Because in crises, those countries where politicians can put the state above their own ratings prevail.
