European values have laid the foundation for the new political reality in Ukraine
Ukrayinska Pravda publishes essays by the finalists of the European Union in Ukraine project "10 years of Euromaidan. How European values determined the path of Ukraine"
In December 2023, I attended an exhibition dedicated to the tenth anniversary of Euromaidan in Ukrainian House, Kyiv, organized by the National Museum of the Revolution of Dignity and the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance. There were a variety of exhibits and installations on display – protesters’ helmets and shields, charred tires and broken paving stones, agitation leaflets and posters of that time, as well as art objects.
That day brought lots of my memories back. When Euromaidan took place, I was only 10 years old. Living almost five hundred kilometers away from Kyiv, I was observing the situation via television. At that time, I was dreaming of becoming a journalist. That desire intensified as I was inspired by their professional resilience and bravery to fearlessly cover the events at the scene. Eventually, tens of them were hurt and some even killed.
I remember what the first days of Maidan in November 2013 looked like from news reports. Only a few dozen people were standing near the Independence Monument with the EU and Ukrainian flags. Little did I imagine that it was the beginning of something that would completely change my country`s future. Students became the heart of the protest. After the government`s attempt to brutally disperse them on the last day of the month, the nation rose up. Parents stood up for their children. Then the horror began. I recall my grandmother kneeling with an icon in her hands in front of a TV set, where horrible live footage of Kyiv was being shown. She was praying for peace on one of the terrible nights in February 2014 when the government forces were trying to crack down on the Revolution. I was not sleeping either, even though I was supposed to wake up early for school in the morning. It was hardly possible to go to bed when your compatriots were being beaten and shot just in the center of the capital of your own country.
The Revolution of Dignity was a horrifying tragedy, but one which united people for a special mission. Maidan became a place where protesters of different ages, occupations, languages, ethnic backgrounds, and political beliefs got together to stand up for their right to live in a free and democratic society. Besides Ukrainians, Armenian Serhiy Nigoyan and Belarusian Mykhailo Zhyznevskyi were among the first fallen protestors, which is quite symbolic.
I strongly believe that Euromaidan was a tipping point when Ukraine finally decided on a new, but, at the same time, old path of existing. Ukraine has historically been part of the European civilization and now it has just been coming back to its ancient origins. I am certain the majority of people who came out on Maidan did not read the Association Agreement with the EU that was not signed by then-president Viktor Yanukovych. People were united by the idea of a true European state itself as at that moment their future was at stake. Respect for human rights and dignity, rule of law, equality, democracy, and freedom – these universal principles have become desirable for the further development of the entire nation.
European values have laid the foundation for the new political reality in Ukraine. Ukraine has not become an authoritarian regime, although there were all the threats. Competitive democracy and fair elections have been preserved. Civil society has significantly strengthened in the recent decade, gaining more influence in the decision-making process both at local and national levels. Ukrainian citizens have experienced the freedom of movement across the EU without visas. A row of anti-corruption bodies has been established in Ukraine with the encouragement of the West. Lots of reforms have been carried out. Undoubtedly, Ukraine still is a less-than-perfect democracy. Plenty of issues are yet to be resolved, however, the country is already on the right track.
I am writing this essay on the days of historic events. The European Council has approved the decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. This news has been a ray of sunshine in the war-torn sky. Ukrainians appreciate the EU has once again reaffirmed its commitment to support our country during the full-fledged war. Vladimir Putin’s autocratic regime has been seeking to wipe out our statehood. Ukraine as part of the European Union is a direct threat to his imperialist ambitions and ruling system. 24 February 2022 conclusively showed that the European future would be the only guarantee of Ukraine`s true independence and sovereignty. Along with the Orange Revolution 2004-2005, the Revolution of Dignity only proves that the pursuit of democratic values has already become an integral part of Ukraine`s national idea that cannot be suppressed by any tanks or missiles.
Vladyslav Satsiuk
