How do Ukrainians see the future?Ukraine? “Fully liberated and restored within the borders of 1991, the year of independence, including Crimea.” AND Zelenskyy? “President of the war, but also of the post-war period, firmly in the saddle of the consensus of his people.” And that Born? “Membership is required for the security umbrella it offers.” The Rebuild? “Citizens must run it through mayors, but Russians must pay through confiscated assets and direct payments.” Will Kiev win? “Certainly!”. Stephen Nix, Eurasia director of the International Republican Institute, Reagan’s and then McCain’s think tank, is back from Kyiv where he presented the Ukrainian government and parliament with the figures from the third survey conducted since the war began. Passing through Rome, Nix is the Ukrainian President’s American spin doctor. “Zelenskyy – he says – continues to have an approval rating of 91 percent, a number that has never been seen in twenty years of political polls.” Also impressive is the jump in yes to NATO membership, from 59 percent in April 2022 to 82% in February 2023. The increase is particularly evident in the east, at the contact points of the war.”
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You lived in Ukraine for three years. How is the feeling today in Kiev?
“Optimism, positivity. Ukrainians feel united. 97% trust in victory. This sense of togetherness in the face of war is widespread and independent of geographic area. The differences between eastern and western Ukraine have disappeared. Trust in the armed forces is 98%. 93% see a bright future, a number that has not changed much after a year and two months of war, down just two points compared to 95 in April 2022. Apart from the numbers, my wife and I traveled around Kiev: ordinary people went to work, and the children went to school. Life goes on. A demonstration of the resilience and strength of the people.”
Do Ukrainians expect more weapons from the West?
“Yes, it is natural. But the air defense system was in place. Now the hot topic is the F-16. Upon my return I will inform Congress where I have already seen very strong bipartisan support for Ukraine. I am convinced that the USA will continue to help you. There is only a limited, small and vocal circle of parliamentarians who spend their time in front of the television or giving interviews in the newspaper, sowing doubts about what is being done. I think the US will announce another massive aid package in the fall.”
What will the final look like according to the Ukrainians?
“74% believe we will return to the 1991 borders, while 8% believe Crimea is lost.” These are popular expectations. For this reason, I believe that no government can force Kiev into negotiations that the people would not accept. Zelensky cannot ignore this. They fight for their country, their family, their freedom. They suffered murder, torture, rape, deaths in the fields…».
Who do Ukrainians think should pay for reconstruction?
“Not the Americans and not even the Europeans. Ukrainians expect Russia to pay, either through its foreign assets or through direct reparations. In America we have Russian goods worth about $30 billion, in Europe even more. Just think of Germany and the UK.”
It’s relatively easy to freeze assets, not confiscate them…
“We’ve been working on it for months, from a legal point of view. In the end we will find a way…».
Who should decide what to rebuild?
“According to the survey, it’s local communities and local elected officials. For example, in consultation with the state government, you have to say which bridges should be rebuilt first.”
Which countries do Ukrainians feel most supportive of?
“Poland and the USA are tied at the top of the table. The UK follows. Then Germany, Lithuania and the European Union.”
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on The Messenger