Lisa Yasko gave our editor in chief, Lucas Ammann, an interview when she attended a discussion at the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland). They talked about the war in Ukraine and about the EU. Yasko is a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and member of the Ukrainian Delegation at PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe).
Lisa Yasko, you are member of the Ukrainian Parliament. In february, there were many headlines about the “Ukraine War Anniversary” (Headline New York Times) – what do you feel when you read such headlines?
I have very mixed feelings about this of course. I am grateful that the world is united to support Ukraine. But at the same time, I wish the invasion didn’t happen. I think, it would have been possible to prevent the war before it actually broke out. There were certain players in the western world, which were very naïve.
A few days ago, you were at the Munich Security Conference. And there you said, Ukrainian people don’t understand that there are such long procedures to become member of the EU. Do you think, the representatives of the EU have understood you and your concerns?
I’m sure they understand. But the EU-institutions are not ready, they need to design lots of new things, and they have to make different decisions so that they are ready to make it happen. I think, the procedures need to be rethought. It can’t be the same procedure for everyone, because we are in a different situation. Ukraine can’t wait for years! We proofed the world that we can be very fast in different things. But that has to be bilateral.
Today’s discussion was about education and the education system in Ukraine – what can you tell us about the situation during the war: Are there some areas in Ukraine where the education system still works?
More than half of the schools are working in the Ukraine. The other half of schools is occupied or fully destroyed. Or the danger of attacks is too high – so they work online. In Kiew, most of the schools are working – those who have shelters. Not all educational institutions have shelters, which is a big problem.
We all hope that the war in your country will stop as soon as possible. But how long will it take to rebuild public system like the education system?
That will be a long process. There need to be plans, thoughts and organized structures to help Ukraine recover from the war. With the help and assistance of international partners we need to build new housings and infrastructure. All that should happen in three years maximum. Of course, the full recovery will take a long time. For example, the demining will take a long time.
As far as I’m informed, you also were here in St. Gallen last year at this event. Will you come again next year?
Oh yes. I am looking forward to the symposium. I enjoy being here, because here is a very interesting mixture of people I can meet.
Is there something else you want to tell our readers in Austria?
Take your responsibility for your future in a free Europe! Don’t take it for granted what your parents and grandparents or your government did for you. I think, Austria could be prepared much more for this situation. And Austria could also take a more leading role in the European future. In the Ukraine, we don’t hide that we are not entirely happy about Austrians positions. Neutrality means for us inaction and welcoming aggressors. Switzerland said it very clear: We are neutral, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t call an aggressor an aggressor. Because aggressors are aggressors.
Interview: Lucas Ammann Editing: Chiara-Marie Hauser Pictures: Johannes Vogl (HSG-St.Gallen)