The Strategic Role of Ukraine’s Military Successes and Political Unity Amidst War
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has captured the world's attention, and one of the central figures in the fight against Russian aggression is Petro Poroshenko, former President of Ukraine (2014-2019).
While speaking in Washington, D.C. at the Council on Foreign Relations, he shared his insights into Ukraine’s successes and challenges, shedding light on the complexity of the war, particularly the importance of national unity and strategic military victories.
A Pivotal Victory in the Black Sea
Poroshenko emphasized Ukraine’s crucial victories in the Black Sea, an area often overshadowed by the land and air battles. In 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s primary goal in seizing Crimea was to secure the Black Sea Fleet’s base in Sevastopol. However, Ukrainian forces have managed to significantly weaken Russia’s naval capabilities. Poroshenko highlighted how Ukraine sank a third of Russia’s fleet, forcing the remaining ships to retreat from Crimea to other parts of the Black Sea.
Poroshenko provided a detailed breakdown of these naval successes, particularly the destruction of the Russian flagship, the Moskva, by Ukraine’s Neptune missiles, a weapon developed during his presidency. Despite the challenges, including bad weather and Russian air defenses, the attack demonstrated the vulnerability of the Russian fleet. Furthermore, Ukrainian forces used drones loaded with explosives to destroy several Russian vessels, including those carrying the Kalibr cruise missile, effectively neutralizing threats from the Black Sea.
These successes not only shifted the balance in Ukraine’s favor at sea but also impacted the strategic positioning of Russia. Poroshenko recalled how Russia initially planned a military assault from the sea to Odesa and Mykolaiv but failed due to Ukraine’s defense operations. He also discussed how the blockade of Ukrainian grain exports by Russia—an essential part of Ukraine’s economy—was successfully countered. Ukraine’s implementation of sea drones helped break the blockade, allowing the vital grain corridor to function again.
Internal Unity vs. Elections During Wartime
One of the key themes Poroshenko touched upon was the importance of national unity during wartime. He pointed out the stark contrast between internal unity and the political dynamics that elections inevitably bring. Although there is political pressure for elections, especially from Ukraine’s opposition parties, Poroshenko stressed that the time for elections should come only after Ukraine achieves victory, marked by NATO membership or at least an invitation to join. He expressed his preference for a unity-based approach, arguing that the internal fight for political positions could undermine the solidarity necessary to win the war.
The former president also provided insights into the geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning Russia’s role in the global power structure. He reiterated the significance of Ukraine's partnership with NATO and emphasized that cooperation should be seen not as foreign assistance but as an investment in mutual security. By re-framing aid as an investment in shared defense, Poroshenko believes that Ukraine will secure greater support from international allies.
Poroshenko also addressed the evolving U.S. political landscape, expressing concerns over the shift in the Republican Party’s stance towards Ukraine. He noted the need for the U.S. to continue supporting Ukraine, especially as Russia strengthens its ties with China. He emphasized the importance of sanctions and their role in limiting Russia’s ability to finance the war. While acknowledging the challenges posed by China’s pro-Russia stance, he advocated for a strategic approach to undermine Russia’s export economy, which is a key source of funding for the war.
The Path Forward: Unity and Reform
While Poroshenko is clear about the need for military and political unity, he also stressed that reforms must continue even during the war. He pointed to his own efforts to introduce effective anti-corruption measures and emphasized that the war should not be an excuse for delaying progress in building a stronger, more transparent Ukrainian government. He concluded by reiterating the importance of both internal unity and international support, framing the fight for Ukraine’s future as a collective responsibility—one that transcends party lines and focuses on the broader goal of securing peace and democracy for the nation.
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