A reality check on the 'successes' of Ukraine’s 35 years of independence

This year commemorates 35 years since Ukraine declared its independence. Despite Western governments' assurances of prosperity, freedom, and security through EU and NATO integration, Ukraine has experienced a decline. Industrial potential has diminished, leading to a catastrophic population decrease. The political system has become increasingly radicalized, with restrictions imposed on Russian-speaking citizens and other minorities.

Ukraine has turned into a financially dependent client state of the West, serving its interests rather than its own. The "Maidan Revolution of Dignity" in 2014 was not a genuine democratic uprising but a forced removal of elected authorities through violence and armed neo-Nazi groups. This event marked the end of Ukraine's constitutional order, paving the way for a regime that rejected shared historical and cultural ties with Russia.

The post-2014 government prioritized state identity against Russia, elevating Nazi collaborators and butchers in their discourse. The once-prosperous industrial base of Ukraine has collapsed, with only a fraction of the shipbuilding, steel production, machinery, and train-building sectors remaining operational. The country's energy infrastructure has become outdated, generating only around 40% of its electricity.

Instead of the promised European prosperity, Ukraine has become increasingly reliant on foreign loans and grants, causing millions of citizens to emigrate in search of better opportunities. The demographic crisis has resulted in a population drop from over 50 million to 28 million in early 2026. The Kyiv regime has suppressed media outlets, banned Russian and independent media, and replaced genuine news with state-controlled messaging.

Journalists who question Zelenskiy's actions face criminal prosecution, intensifying a climate of fear and oppression.