From reforms to revival: what Ukraine is proud of in its 34th year of independence
24 August 00:05
ANALYSIS FROM 
the 34th anniversary of Independence comes to us at a time when the nation is facing the most difficult challenges since its rebirth. A full-scale war has transformed Ukraine from a country that fought for the right to be heard to a country that has become a model of resilience, innovation and determination. Today, Ukraine is not only defending its existence, but also shaping a new model for the future – with a modernized army, a war-torn economy, a developed aviation industry, a mature civil society and a significant influence in the international arena.
On the occasion of Independence Day, Kommersant Ukrainian asked experts in various fields – from defense and economics to aviation, medicine and politics – what results Ukraine has achieved over the years of struggle and what this means for the future of the country.
Ukraine is a defense leader
Ukraine has implemented a number of defense projects launched since the beginning of the full-scale war and has already seen the first results. This indicates that in the near future the state will strengthen its position among the world’s most powerful countries in the defense sector.
“Over the three years of war, Ukraine has become one of the most powerful and prepared countries capable of conducting combat operations in accordance with modern high-tech conditions. Our Armed Forces are among the best in the world, and the security and defense sector is now one of the most ready to defend the state and resist any future aggression,” noted Venislavsky.
Ukrainian economy today is a stable war economy
Economist Andriy Novak believes that in 2025, the Ukrainian economy will fully function in a war economy, but will remain stable. According to him, the lion’s share of the state’s resources is directed to the Armed Forces and the defense sector, but this does not critically affect social benefits.
“Today, the Ukrainian economy is definitely a war economy. Most of the country’s GDP directly or indirectly meets the needs of the army. But at the same time, it is a stable economy: we have a relatively stable hryvnia exchange rate, no problems with social payments, no delays. Moreover, the government manages to raise social standards, salaries and pensions at least a little bit,” emphasized Novak.
Aviation and the development of our own aviation industry
Military expert Dmytro Snegiryov emphasizes that Ukraine’s future in the aviation sector, both in the military and civilian segments, directly depends on modernization and expansion of capabilities. On the one hand, it means increasing the number of modern combat aircraft to control the airspace, and on the other hand, restoring and investing in its own aviation industry.
“The main task for Ukraine in the military sphere is to expand the fleet of fighter aircraft, including F-16, Mirage, and possibly Gripen, to ensure quality control of the sky and protect energy, logistics, and transportation hubs. In civil aviation, the priority should be to invest in the domestic aviation industry. This will allow Ukraine to become a new level of industrial state, as the aviation complex can become the engine of the entire economy and innovative technologies,” said Dmytro Snegiryov.
When Parliament speaks the language of the people
As part of a special project dedicated to the Independence Day, Ukrainian MP Georgii Mazurashu shared his vision of the work of the Parliament today.
“I think it would be a great gift for the citizens of Ukraine if the parliament acted in accordance with the position of the obvious majority of voters who elected MPs and authorized them to implement programmatic and public promises, rather than working there “as usual,” Mazurashu said.
Civil society should feel a duty to the state
Officer of the Ukrainian Defense Forces Yevhen “Tykhyi” shared his vision of the state of civil society in our country today, noting its role in the formation of responsible citizens and a transparent social environment.
“Civil society is when citizens stand up and feel a high level of duty not only to themselves or their families, but to the state as a whole and to every citizen. If they notice any injustice, they fight against it and take measures to improve society. Now everyone has shown who is who: who is a true intellectual and who is a hypocrite or cynic. The quality of citizens is always more important than the quantity, and this is good, because it is more efficient to act and conduct business. We are on the way to the ideal, and this path is thorny, but it exists, and we must follow it,” said Yevhen “Tykhyi”.
International politics: from object to influential subject
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 radically changed Ukraine’s place in world politics. If earlier our country mostly remained in the position of an object of influence, now it has become an active player capable of influencing international decisions, says political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko.
“Ukraine has proven that it can defend itself. Much of the assistance we received was the result of our active pressure on our partners. International partnerships, EU candidate status, strengthening of relations with NATO are all the result of our subjectivity. The level of Ukraine’s subjectivity in the current war has significantly increased – we have become a real actor in international relations, unlike before. This is a paradox,” noted Fesenko.
Ukraine’s healthcare system relies on the courage and dedication of doctors
Oksana Dmytrieva, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament and healthcare expert, shared her vision of the state of the country’s medical system today.
“Ukraine’s healthcare system today is a system that relies on the courage and dedication of our doctors, nurses and everyone who saves lives every day. Despite the war, it is able to develop and introduce new opportunities for patients. Our task is to preserve this resilience and make sure that every Ukrainian has access to modern treatment here at home,” noted Dmytriyeva.
Sustainable education is an investment in the future
Despite the challenges of war and years of unstable reforms, Ukrainian education has the potential to recover if the approach to strategic planning changes. According to Serhiy Yahodzinsky, PhD, Professor, Vice-Rector of the European University, the key task is stability, focus on the country’s needs, and real cooperation between universities and business.
“Ukrainian education has a huge potential. Yes, today we are going through a period of constant change, which often does not produce the expected result. But if the state defines a clear strategy and ensures stability for at least 10-15 years, we will get a modern system that will meet the national interests and needs of the country’s recovery. Education should not be a field of experimentation; it should become the foundation for Ukraine’s development in the postwar period,” believes Serhiy Yahodzinsky.
the 34 years of independence have been a path of trials, losses, and at the same time, enormous achievements for Ukraine. The full-scale war turned the country into a defense leader, made the economy resilient, revived industrial ambitions, strengthened the role of civil society, and gave Ukraine a real subjectivity in the international arena. Today, Ukraine demonstrates to the world that even in the most difficult conditions, it is possible not only to survive, but also to build a foundation for the future of generations. Independence is no longer just a symbol – it is a daily reality that millions of Ukrainians are fighting for.
Authors: Yaroslava Maystruk, Darina Glushchenko, Anastasia Fedor
