The renewed, full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine in 2022 has served as a further catalyst for grassroots nation-building efforts, highlighting the need for a comprehensive social model, prioritising inclusivity, stability, and long-term prosperity. While military victory against a brutal aggressor remains an existential necessity, being a key factor for Ukraine to protect its territorial integrity, the nation must continue to address long-standing socio-demographic challenges exacerbated by an ongoing war, leader-driven political projects, and short-sighted policymaking. Ukraine and its international partners can pave the way for sustainable peace and democratic resilience – both crucial for defending its sovereignty against future threats – by navigating through (post)war recovery with an inclusive, citizen-centred approach.
A demand for a clear articulation of the preferred social model is yet to be mentioned explicitly by the international (donor) community supporting Ukraine. Such a decision may be attributed to the fact that the active phase of the war is far from over.
