The big American guys always seemed to be the most mature in the room. They guided us so carefully: here we'll throw in a little money, here some weapons, there some negotiations, there we'll pull the Russians a little. But now the international front is a complete mess. The American track of unconditional assistance and ‘we are with you to the end’ has been replaced by ‘we didn't start this war, but we will finish it.’ But there is no end in sight, nor is there full support. There has been a kind of self-removal," noted Ihor Liski.
In his opinion, the situation is no more certain at the European level.
"They united a little, came to their senses, but there is still no leadership. One step forward, two steps back,‘ the businessman expressed his view. ’Let's get together, support Ukraine and send in our troops after a lasting peace. But, excuse me, why should we feed your 30,000 soldiers after a lasting peace? Then we will manage on our own, help us achieve this lasting peace."
Liski believes that China's active involvement in providing technical assistance to Russia, not only with machine tools but also with components, does not inspire optimism. The situation on the front line is also difficult.
"The front line is holding thanks to the tremendous resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is very gratifying when Ukraine is called the shield of Europe; it gives rise to such inner pride. But Ukrainians were asked if they had signed up to be someone's shield. If we are your shield, then at least don't block the border behind us. Personally, I couldn't transport cargo last year. So you fight there, and we'll defend our farmers here?" noted Ihor Liski.
According to the businessman, Ukrainian diplomats should demonstrate a tougher approach so that Ukraine does not become a pawn in the great geopolitical game played by the United States, China, Europe, Russia, Saudi Arabia, etc.
"Give us a concrete strategy for victory or an understanding of what we will get in return. Otherwise, even with 300 billion (frozen assets — Ed.), Europeans say, “This is our reputation”... Well, excuse me, but then we will somehow weigh your reputation. How many lives do we sacrifice every day for your reputation?‘ remarked the head of the EFI Group. ’It's the same story with the United States. Here's a mineral agreement, here's this, here's that. And what do we get? That Europeans will buy your weapons? I understand that this is a bit cynical. Well, give us a strategy for victory for Ukraine. For the Armed Forces, for Ukrainians, for Ukrainians who are already building their lives abroad and do not see Ukraine in them."
The businessman is convinced that the same strategy for victory must be demanded from the government and parliament in order to maintain internal stability and unity. Without this, neither the Americans nor the Europeans, nor money will save us.
"We are still holding on, all of us, including businesses, are gritting our teeth, but it cannot go on like this forever. If we see that the war will last forever, that Ukraine is the shield of Europe, then show us what we are fighting for. Why have I been hearing about the introduction of military risks (insurance programmes — Ed.) for two years now? We are Europe's shield, we are defending the civilised world, so give us some kind of special treatment.
...If there is no strategy or vision of victory, there are no fools in business. Everyone is starting to restructure and diversify, and Ukraine is becoming less and less attractive to investors in the long term. We need to look to the future," said the businessman.
According to Ihor Liski, Ukraine has already changed significantly during the years of the great war, paying a high price for it. Now we must do everything to make it happen.
"Respect for ourselves, for Ukraine, for the Ukrainian nation, and for Ukrainian history has grown significantly. This is the most important achievement. I think that the Ukrainian nation has come into its own, and I really want us to be able to say very soon that the Ukrainian state has come into its own. I see this historic moment unfolding right before our eyes. I hope that we will all live to see it and be proud that we were part of this positive history, this historic process, and did everything to make this country happen," said the businessman.
Video version of the discussion: