Serhiy Prytula: Ukrainian society will break the backbone of any initiative to introduce authoritarianism

The movement towards the European Union and NATO is a safeguard against authoritarianism in Ukraine.

This was emphasized by Serhiy Prytula, the founder of the Serhiy Prytula Charitable Foundation, at the 15^th annual Kyiv Security Forum, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation.

“Frankly speaking, I am easy in my mind for democracy in Ukraine during the war, because while we discuss the way to defend democracy, this very second a Ukrainian soldier holding weapons in his hands is defending Ukrainian democracy with his life,” he said.

“I am also absolutely certain that there will be no authoritarianism in Ukraine. Naturally, the war revived certain elements of power centralization. And some within our society fear that this tendency can expand further. However, more than 80% of Ukrainians aspire to become part and parcel of the European Union. So, it is extremely difficult for me to imagine that at the moment when Ukrainian society is knocking at the door of the European Union, someone comes up with the idea countering the will of the people,” emphasized Serhiy Prytula.

He noted that “Ukrainian society has been inoculated by Yanukovych and, hence, will break the backbone of any initiative to instill authoritarian rule into Ukraine. Such scenarios will not work here.”

“Our irreversible movement towards the European Union and NATO is the safeguard against authoritarianism. Another backlash to this challenge is the continued development and support of civil society. The world is very impressed by the ability of Ukrainians to self-organize,” said the public person.

Serhiy Prytula emphasized that the Ukrainian volunteer movement is an absolutely phenomenal thing.

“Sometimes we manage to do certain things that were unimaginable earlier for us to do. For example, to purchase some 101 armored personnel vehicles for the defense forces, to ensure satellite military intelligence, to bring in “Bayraktars” for free. People get involved in all of this, they feel personal responsibility and the way they directly engage in and influence certain processes,” said the founder of the charitable foundation.

“Everywhere we were and remain the voice to support the state. Weapons, sanctions, humanitarian aid, European integration. However, I would really prefer it to be a one-way street,” Mr Prytula said, stressing that authorities should finally resolve all problems regarding volunteer movement.

“Everyone who has been to Kyiv, Chernihiv and other front-line cities remembers the battles waged there. They also remember the way the military had to buy everything they needed themselves. When you hand over a thermal imager, a “Starlink”, a vehicle or something else to a military person, the red tape of drawing documents of acceptance and transfer, reporting, accounting, and some other legal issues are the very last things you think of. There is only one issue of importance: saving lives of soldiers, saving the state. I would very much like to see fulfilled all the initiatives and promises made last year. This is the way for our lawmakers to participate in the process of protecting democracy in this country,” emphasized Serhiy Prytula.

Noteworthy, the 15^th annual Kyiv security forum “For Our and Your Freedom/ Fighting for NATO” will be held on May 25-26, 2023, with the participation of well-known international figures. In particular, at the Forum, the KSF Security Council will be established and a policy document will be adopted with recommendations for the NATO summit in Vilnius to be held this July.