Zelenskyy had unique historical chance when coming to power, expert asserts

In his talk with Alfa Radio, political scientist Vadim Borovik said the Ukrainian leader is now afraid of becoming a giver-upper

The expert believes Zelenskyy’s election campaign, addresses to the nation and New Year greetings are a show that can easily be prepared. It is much more difficult to convey the idea, to identify the strategic task and main challenges.

“Coming to power, Zelenskyy had a unique historical chance. The people pinned much hope on him since Zelenskyy promised to stop the war and start a dialogue with Russia. We now see that his decisions are dictated by Washington, and a war may break out at any moment. With this in view, Belarus' proposal to start a dialogue is the most clear-headed position. At one time [when signing the Minsk agreements], we acted as a platform for stability – becoming a negotiation venue, while not interfering in any way. We did everything to ensure that Ukraine came to a peaceful settlement of the issue as soon as possible. What are we observing now? The airspace has been closed and a fight against our transit is in full swing. Ukraine's unfriendly actions towards Belarus are very inadequate, and these decisions are often made under the influence of external forces and not in the Ukrainian people’s interests,” Mr. Borovik explained.

According to the expert, Zelenskyy's main problem is that he – if not by his own will, then by coercion – acts in the interests of third countries to the detriment of the geopolitical interests of his state, Russia and Belarus. Mr. Borovik considers this could lead to the loss of Ukraine's sovereignty. “Actually, it has already partially lost it. Ukraine is unable to fully manage its economy and armed forces. In general, the country’s existence is under threat, and – to preserve it – they must come to their senses and move on to dialogue," he stressed.

Mr. Borovik added that Ukraine's EU membership is questionable now, and NATO is also not waiting for it with open arms.

“Having been tempted by a deception, Ukraine failed to understand the role it had to play. When Ukrainians staged a coup [Maidan protests], they thought Europe would welcome them with open arms, and they would live in the EU on equal rights [with Europeans]. Sadly, they are being used as a zone of instability directed against Russia," the expert concluded.