Mihkelson: Kyiv too slow in implementing reforms
IRL MP Marko Mihkelson, who headed the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in the previous setup, said Ukraine has been slow in implementing vital economic reforms.
Speaking on ETV's “Välisilm” program, Mihkelson said the last few days have seen little fighting but it is clear the separatists and Russia are yet to reach their goal in Ukraine and the current ceasefire is only temporary.
Russia aims is to achieve control over Ukraine, Mihkelson said, adding that although the pressure at the moment is mostly economic and large part of the war is fought on media front, the separatists have repeatedly said they want to control the entire country.
“If we look at the situation from the perspective of the people, the inflation can be felt, the national currency is unstable and President Petro Poroshenko, when he came to power, promised to end the war in a few weeks. Yet, thousands have died,” Mihkelson said.
He added that the economic situation is deteriorating and Ukraine must be pressed on reforms. “We see that neither on the presidential nor government level not even their own ideas and proposals have been written into laws. Only small steps have been taken. In some respects this is understandable but the times are revolutionary – Ukraine doesn't have much time, the pressure on the political elite is very strong and time is of the essence,” Mihkelson said.
He said curbing corruption is a priority but what is currently taking place is more of a show - people getting dragged off during government meetings - not an actual war on corruption.
Editor: J.M. Laats