Will Elections Make Ukraine Stronger?

The crisis in Ukraine was driven by the ineffectiveness of the state, a high level of corruption, and economic inefficiency, as well as by Russia’s aggression. A combination of the geopolitical appetites of Russia, the shortcomings of the EU’s foreign and security policy, and the lack of democracy and economic efficiency in Ukraine produced disastrous consequences for the country and regional security. The upcoming elections would thus be critical for both Ukraine and the EU.

After the elections, the new government in Ukraine had to implement economic and democratic reforms as well as enhanced security arrangements in order to strengthen Ukraine’s sovereignty. The country needed to make strategic changes in its foreign and security policy, while also stabilizing the east of the country. In the long term, provided that there was successful conflict settlement in eastern Ukraine, NATO membership would be the best way to safeguard security in the country.