“Normandy format” negotiations: analysis of key political developments

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

 On December 6, the Presidential Office held a closed meeting of Presidential Assistant Andrii Yermak with key Ukrainian experts, where the main scenarios and options for the negotiation menu of Zelenskyi in Paris were elaborated. Subsequently, the expert developments became the basis for the NSDC decision dated December 7. In addition, Zelenskyi received very serious Read more about “Normandy format” negotiations: analysis of key political developments[…]

Democracy House conducted lessons in child protection in armed conflict at Kramatorsk Slavyansk, Druzhkivka, Konstantinovka schools

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

Democracy House conducted lessons in child protection in armed conflict at Kramatorsk, Slavyansk, Druzhkivka, Konstantinovka schools. The lessons were conducted within the project “Protection of children’s rights in armed conflict in eastern Ukraine” which Democracy House implements with the support of the French Embassy in Ukraine. For five years, Ukraine has been suffering from armed Read more about Democracy House conducted lessons in child protection in armed conflict at Kramatorsk Slavyansk, Druzhkivka, Konstantinovka schools[…]

Peaceful settlement: major groups of influence and possible scenarios

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

There are at least three groups of influence in the “Sluha Narodu” faction which shape Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s policy on conflict settlement in Donbas. Kolomoiskyi’s group, group “Kvartal” and Avakov’s group seek to use Zelenskyi’s peaceful intentions in serving own political and business interests. Depending on balance of power in the ruling party and influence of Read more about Peaceful settlement: major groups of influence and possible scenarios[…]

Political competition for Kyiv: analysis of 5 groups of influence in the “Sluha Narodu”

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

The struggle for control over Kyiv exacerbates in Zelenskyi’s team. In 2019, the city had a record budget of over UAH 58 billion (the 2020 budget is planned to reach UAH 65 billion). Control over Kyiv utility companies (metropolitan, advertising, transport, parking, construction of houses, roads and bridges, landscaping, renovation of premises, purchases and permits, Read more about Political competition for Kyiv: analysis of 5 groups of influence in the “Sluha Narodu”[…]

Ukraine’s debt policy in 2019: risks and shortcomings

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

In 2019, Ukraine pursues a rather active policy of attracting financial resources through the mechanism of government bonds. A significant portion of the bonds were bought by non-residents. For the first time in Ukraine, foreign investments in domestic government bonds (government bonds) exceeded UAH 100 billion (USD 4.06 billion). This policy made it possible to Read more about Ukraine’s debt policy in 2019: risks and shortcomings[…]

Democracy House presented a new issue of “U at Glance”

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

On November 19, 2019 Democracy House presented a new issue of U at Glance analytical paper. The presentation was held within the project “Analytical support for the Slovak 2019 OSCE Chairmanship” which is implemented by Democracy House with the support of the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. During the presentation, the experts of Democracy House analyzed Read more about Democracy House presented a new issue of “U at Glance”[…]

Democracy House conducted lessons in child protection in armed conflict at Kramatorsk schools

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

On November 13, 2019, Democracy House is conducting lessons on child protection during armed conflict in schools in Kramatorsk. The lessons are held as part of the project “Protecting Children’s Rights in Armed Conflict in Eastern Ukraine”, which is implemented by Democracy House with the support of the Embassy of France in Ukraine. For five Read more about Democracy House conducted lessons in child protection in armed conflict at Kramatorsk schools[…]

Ukrainian nationalist groups: analysis of players and their impact on political competition

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

On October 14, 2014, a March of Nationalists testified that radical forces in Ukraine could organize themselves and exert political pressure on the authorities. In general, the electoral positions of the radical forces and nationalist parties are very weak. However, despite small number and disparity, radicals and opponents of Zelenskyi’s peace initiatives are being very Read more about Ukrainian nationalist groups: analysis of players and their impact on political competition[…]

Disengagement of forces in Donbas: illusions and reality

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

After reaching agreements on disengagement of forces near Stanytsia-Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske, the Ukrainian government announced its intentions to continue this process along the entire contact line. The disengagement of forces will enable to reduce military and civilian casualties, facilitate the crossing of the contact line and demine demilitarized zones. However, due to risks for Read more about Disengagement of forces in Donbas: illusions and reality[…]

Prisoner exchange: progress towards peace or false hope?

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

A prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia brought a tactical victory to both Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Vladimir Putin. However, Russia gained a strategic victory while Ukraine did not manage to balance between the release of its citizens and the pursuit of national interests. A new stage of prisoner exchange will depend on further progress in Read more about Prisoner exchange: progress towards peace or false hope?[…]

New Government of Oleksiy Honcharuk: risks, opportunities and major groups of influence

Posted on by Sergey Kischenko

The new government of Oleksiy Honcharuk shall address a number of complex political and economic issues. First, it has to ensure high GDP growth and increase investment attractiveness. Second, carry out structural reforms in the agricultural, energy and social sectors. Apart from unpopular decisions, it will be necessary to fulfil the President’s populist demands – Read more about New Government of Oleksiy Honcharuk: risks, opportunities and major groups of influence[…]