On the eve of the seventh anniversary of Ukrainian independence, The Day conducted a blitz poll of foreign diplomats here. They answered two questions: how did you personally feel about the collapse of the Soviet Union, and what is your opinion of Ukraine's current path to democracy?
Goran Jacobsson, Swedish Ambassador to Ukraine:
The Swedes, like other peoples of Europe, greeted the start of the democratization process in the former Soviet Union late in the previous decade. We were especially glad to witness our closest neighbors, the Baltic States, become independent. Sweden rejoiced at Ukraine's 1991 referendum when most of the people said they wanted to have an independent national polity. Ukraine is extremely important to Sweden as our relationships date back to Kyiv Rus'.
I was in Yugoslavia in 1991; that country also fell apart, but, unfortunately, the process did not follow a peaceful course. Ukraine established its independence without military conflict. Wonderful! Now the important thing is for the Ukrainian state to maintain peaceful coexistence with its neighbors for the years to come.
You have certainly made headway in your democratization process. You have your new Constitution, you have twice held parliamentary elections and a presidential campaign. Your progress is important for Europe's future.
Ron Armon, Acting Israeli Charge d’Affaires in Ukraine:
August 1991 found me in Ukraine, in Khmelnytsky oblast to be precise. I was a team leader during one of the first Jewish youth conventions at Camp Blue Lakes in Slavuta (incidentally, it was there that I met with the woman destined to become my wife).
Then came the abortive putsch. I followed it with keen interest and anxiety. I regarded the subsequent developments as an actual opportunity for Ukraine to develop a healthy democratic society. I thought that common sense had triumphed.
As for Ukraine's current phase, the issue is a very weighty one. It cannot be described in so many words. One thing seems certain: there are changes for the better. Ukraine's harmonious development is the issue for the foreseeable future. It requires accord and mutual understanding among its various strata.
Erik Tintrup, Press Secretary, German Embassy:
My country has always closely followed events in Eastern Europe. Germany's reunification was an event of great historic significance, and then the Soviet Union collapsed, which we considered another major event of the century. We knew, of course, that many former Soviet republics wanted to turn into independent polities.
Now the situation in the former Soviet territories is very complicated, but we should always remember that things could have been worse. In 1991, some of my colleagues predicted that the downfall of that huge empire would inevitably result in multiple armed conflicts. The fact that Ukraine has been following its road to democracy peacefully is a tremendous attainment. Germany was the first Western country to set up a consulate general in Kyiv, and independent Ukraine's ambassador to Germany was also its first. Germans wholeheartedly support Ukrainian reforms.
Roy Reeve, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to Ukraine:
The news about Ukraine's independence caught up with me while in Australia. I had visited Ukraine on several occasions, in the 1960s and 1970s. I was sincerely glad.
I am happy to work in Ukraine, especially now. Ukraine is a country which is regarded as a political priority by Great Britain, so we are doing our best to assist this country in its democratic evolution.
Vladimir Spandarian, Russian Federation Charge d’Affaires to Ukraine:
I have to reckon with hard realities as a professional diplomat. Ukraine is an independent polity, whether somebody likes it or not.
Of course, I do hope that Ukrainian independence will not result in Russian-Ukrainian estrangement, and that we will remain a single family, the way we were for so long.
Petr Guhl, First Secretary, Embassy of the Czech Republic:
I was stationed in Moscow seven years ago when Ukraine proclaimed its independence.. This is all history now, along with the Belovezhskaya Pushca accords establishing the CIS, which we met with such enthusiasm.
I am glad that Ukraine embarked on the road leading to independence and sovereignty, and I wish your country every success in this worthy undertaking and in overcoming all of your pressing problems.
Alexander Rahr, Head of the Russia and CIS Department, German Foreign Policy Society:
Quite honestly, I had my doubts seven years ago about Ukrainian independence and its prospects. It was generally believed at the time that Eastern Ukraine and the Crimea were so Russified and dependent on Russia that they would feel uncomfortable in an independent Ukrainian state, that they would strive to reunite with Russia. A Slavic alliance of three former Soviet Republics - Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus - was considered a very real possibility, to become part of what was popularly known as the All-European Home.
Now I can only state that there is a Ukrainian national state, and that even all those living in Ukraine and jealously preserving their Russian linguistic and cultural traditions do not seem to miss the Soviet Union. In fact, Russia's current situation is anything but enviable. I think that Ukraine will become an important element of a united Europe.
Antero Inkari, Counselor of the Finnish Embassy:
I was then posted to the Soviet Union, so what happened did not only mean significant political changes but also had a direct bearing on my activities. Finland was closely following the situation, and I am happy that it all happened peacefully and that Ukraine chose the road of democracy.
This road has been anything but simple and Ukraine will have to overcome many difficulties, because you had to start from scratch. Finland is trying to help Ukraine, but we face many difficulties because of your bureaucracy.














