Ceasefire threatens new risks for Ukraine, Klimkin says
After the end of the active phase of the war, Ukraine will need support from its Western partners not only in the military and security spheres but also economically.
War in Ukraine / © TSN.ua
Following a ceasefire at the front, it will be critically important for Ukraine to maintain the level of financial support from allies and partners, as there will be strong temptation in the West to reduce funding.
Ukrainian diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (2014–2019) Pavlo Klimkin said this in an interview with LIGAnet.
According to him, Ukraine needs not only security guarantees from Western partners to deter new Russian aggression but also continued financial assistance.
«I am not sure that after some point related to a ceasefire, if such agreements are reached, we will keep today’s level of financial support. Many of those I speak with are also unsure — both in Europe and in the U.S. They proceed from the idea that after the level of escalation decreases, as they like to say, less money is needed. And they dream about this quietly, ” Klimkin said.
The Ukrainian diplomat pointed out that Europeans could make a decision regarding frozen Russian assets but do not dare to do so.
«I am very skeptical that they will adopt any major decisions — since for them this is about the stability of financial markets, about attractiveness, they live on this. And the broader issue is that the European Union must remain a safe place for capital from around the world, ” he explained.
Pavlo Klimkin stressed that after the ceasefire, Ukraine will need military, security, and economic support.
«Our security can only be ensured if Ukraine becomes a full-fledged part of the West. There are no other options for our security, ” he concluded.