"It's time for changes; the old approaches don't work," says Maksym Skubenko, CEO of Vox Ukraine, instructor of the 5th Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces

“It’s time for changes; the old approaches don’t work,” says Maksym Skubenko, CEO of Vox Ukraine, instructor of the 5th Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces

Photo: Євгеній Бородавко
7 June 2023
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I’m saying the world is undergoing a significant rebuilding process. Moreover, these words would apply to any period in Ukraine’s history. However, based on what I feel deep inside and what many other people feel, this epochal time of transformation has truly arrived.

And it will give rise to numerous challenges other countries haven’t encountered, or if they have, not to the same extent.

In the past, many, including myself, believed there was no need to reinvent the bicycle where it already existed. We thought we had to make reforms like other countries had done, making slight adjustments to accommodate our specific circumstances. However, I’m now uncertain whether this approach would work – both in the present and after our victory in the war.

Reforms have never been easy and quick. However, it is crucial now to exert every effort to ensure the success of these reforms – swiftly, with exceptional quality, and in an innovative manner that surpasses any previous attempts. Above all, success should be the ultimate goal. And you, proactive people, will help in this. Whenever you come across suggestions that you disagree with or have alternative perspectives, please don’t hesitate to share them. After all, this is the only way we will discover new ideas and approaches whose time has come.

The author’s column was prepared based on the materials of the international conference “Forward and Upward: Reforming Ukraine during the War,” held on May 19 in Kyiv. The event was organized by the think tank Vox Ukraine with the support of The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), with the main media partner being Media Center Ukraine.

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