By
Walter Kish
Finding
good things to say about the state of affairs in Ukraine has been rather
difficult over the past few years.One
does not have to dig deep to find things to be depressed about, whether
it’s politics, the economy, or Ukrainian society and culture. It was therefore
refreshing to recently come across an article titled “Ten Good Reasons
to be Proud of Ukraine” published in the English language “The Ukrainian
Magazine”. It was written by a British ex-pat by the name of Martin Nunn
who currently lives in Kyiv. His list coincided well with my own impressions
garnered from my visit to Ukraine last fall after an absence of some seven
years.
1.
His first positive is that Ukrainians, and the young in particular, now
have control of their lives, something their parents never did.Though
opportunities may be scarce because of the poor state of the economy, the
state is no longer telling you where to live, what to study, where to work
and where you can or cannot go.
2.
Second, is the fact that Ukraine has a thriving underground economy. There
are naturally, some obvious negative implications to this. Nonetheless,
the black market has given countless people some hard-earned, and valuable
experience in the basics of trade and entrepreneurship. This will prove
very useful as the regular economy becomes more established and regulated
by the rule of law rather than control of the bureaucrats and the oligarchs.
3.
Thirdly, after years of decline, the Ukrainian economy is finally growing
again. In fact, last year it had one of the fastest growing economies in
Europe. True, it is starting deep in the hole, but it is rapidly going
in the right direction and offers great hope for the future.
4.
Fourth is the fact that Ukrainians are amongst the most highly educated
people in the world.Though getting
a good education is more problematic these days, one of the positive remnants
of the communist system is the fact that a large percentage of its people
got a solid education, particularly in the professional, technical and
skilled fields.This will provide
Ukraine with a competitive advantage in the long run.
5.
Fifth, is the fact the authorities have curbed what used to be the common
practice of the police (the “militsiya” and the “DAI”, or highway patrol)
of assessing and collecting fines on the spot for real or concocted infractions,
particularly from foreigners with their distinctive yellow license plates.
6.
Sixth is the superb fresh, organic food produced on all those countless
private little plots of land.No
cellophane, no chemicals, no preservatives – just fresh food and produce
with real taste.
7.
Seventh is the fact that Ukrainian brewers have finally mastered the art
of making beer. During Communist times, Ukrainian beer was virtually undrinkable;
now it’s variety and quality compares favourably with any in Europe.
8.
Eighth on the list is, that while many of its neighbouring former Soviet
republics are embroiled in armed strife and conflict, or have reverted
to various forms of repression and dictatorship, Ukraine has made the transition
peacefully and fairly democratically. It has kept the lid on inter-ethnic
tensions and has proven to be the most stable of the former Soviet republics.
9.
Ninth is the fact that in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s break-up,
Ukraine has managed to produce some capable, professional politicians with
genuine concern for the country’s population and its future. While it is
true that power currently still rests with the self-serving oligarchs and
technocrats more concerned with power and money, nonetheless, there is
now a fairly large and experienced pool of politicians on which future
hopes can be built and realized.
10.
Lastly is the fact that Kyiv is one of the most beautiful and liveable
cities in Eastern Europe.Compared
to Moscow, Minsk, Warsaw or any other of the former CIS capitals, Kyiv
is a gem.
Martin
Nunn’s list is somewhat eclectic and perhaps some of his observations a
little tongue-in-cheek, however I applaud his effort of pointing out that
all is not doom and gloom. There is much to be grateful and hopeful about.
Ukraine may be going through some rough times, but Ukrainians are an enduring
and resourceful people and we will not only survive but eventually prosper,
and in the not too distant future at that.