Shaping the European Future of Ukraine during Wartime

Abstract

A significant amount of information is available regarding the onset of the Russian invasion, the progress and failures of the military attack, and the assistance to be provided by the international community once the war has ended. The authors of this paper and others have addressed these issues. However, given the uncertainty of when and how the war may ultimately end, it is essential to consider what can be done during the interim phase leading up to that point in the future. Specifically, this paper explores what Ukraine can do during wartime given changes in the global landscape, we examine how Ukraine can improve the rule of law during wartime, change its economic model, and promote empowerment within the country. On the internal front, Ukraine must combat paternalism and oligarchs, fight corruption, foster education and international contacts, upgrade production and industrialization, address the impact of emigration on ageing, and work towards meeting the membership requirements for the European Union. Therefore, all importantly, in addition to a Marshall Plan to support the post-war rebuilding of Ukraine’s economy, preliminary measures towards changing the domestic socio-political regime are needed. Rules established during wartime will be critical in ensuring later assistance, as well as improving wellbeing and to contribute to a new upcoming world order. The future of Ukraine hinges on the outcome of elections in the United States, a s well as the rise of nationalism in Europe, both could mean a risk of diminishing support for Ukraine.