We hosted a team of Ukrainian experts to give a first assessment of the post-election situation in Ukraine.
Ilya Kusa, who advises the president elect in foreign policy matters, highlighted the fact that the previous administration had left the old system intact, while Zelensky´s victory symbolizes the entry of a new political generation into the arena of Ukrainian politics.
Kosta Bondarenko expects some degree of disappointment with the new incumbent, since he will not be able to deliver on all important tasks.
Volodymir Fesenko gave a realistic account of the wiggle room of the incoming government, stating that a cessation of military operations in the Donbas is possible. For Russia, he holds, mothballing the status quo is the best solution, since this will be a formidable obstacle to EU and NATO membership. As in the past, Moscow can be expected to stonewall in the Crimea issue.
All experts agreed that in view of the internal and external constraints transforming Ukraine is a daunting task and will take time.