TL/DR –
The University of Michigan Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia hosted a lecture by Pavlo Kukhta, Ukraine’s former Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture, discussing Ukraine’s modern history and its role in Europe. Kukhta identified political and economic conditions including closed borders, the expulsion of intellectuals, and longstanding corruption as causes for instability in Ukraine before the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the 2022 invasion. Kukhta stressed the need for future reconstruction in Ukraine to focus not only on rebuilding but also on revitalizing its economy with increased capital investments and funding.
The University of Michigan’s Weiser Center Hosts Ex-Ukrainian Minister
On Wednesday, the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia at the University of Michigan welcomed Pavlo Kukhta, Ukraine’s former Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture, for a lecture. The event, attended by around 50 people, covered Ukraine’s contemporary history and its socio-economic role in Europe.
Event Part of Ongoing Series about Ukraine
The lecture is part of an event series throughout the semester, centered on Feb. 24, the second anniversary of the Ukrainian conflict. Future events will host speakers like Iuliia Mendel, ex-secretary of the Ukrainian president, and screenings of Oscar-nominated films such as “20 Days in Mariupol” at the Michigan Theater.
Kukhta Discusses Political and Economic Issues
Kukhta discussed political and economic issues as precursors to instability before the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion. Issues, he explained, included border restrictions, exile of intellectuals, and longstanding corruption.
Rebuilding Ukraine’s Economy
Regarding Ukraine’s future, Kukhta stressed the need to revitalize Ukraine’s economy through increased capital investment and funding. He added that reconstruction should aim to attract private Western capital, and include public funding.
Reflection of Global Democracy Challenges
Iuliia Mendel expressed hopes that the lecture would shed light on how the Ukrainian-Russian conflict is a testament to global democracy’s challenges. She asserted that democracy is under threat globally, and aiding each other is crucial.
Student Perspectives
Rackham student Arthur Mengozzi attended the lecture to broaden his understanding of the state of the conflict in Ukraine.
Importance of the Event
Genevieve Zubrzycki, U-M professor of sociology and director of the Weiser Center, stressed the importance of such events to discuss relevant topics related to Ukraine’s past, present, and future.
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