In a recent interview with Interfax Ukraine, former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma made headlines by asserting that Ukraine must renew ties with Russia to pursue reparations following the ongoing armed conflict. Kuchma, who led the country from 1994 to 2005, emphasized that “economic contacts” with Moscow would be “absolutely necessary” for Ukraine to secure compensation for the extensive damages caused by the war. His statements raise crucial questions about the future of Ukraine-Russia relations, the prospect of reparations, and the broader implications for regional stability.

Kuchma’s remarks come amid a backdrop of escalating hostilities and strained relations between Ukraine and Russia since the conflict began in 2014, which intensified with the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The prevailing narrative in Ukraine and among its Western allies characterizes the conflict as a struggle against “Russian imperial conquest.” However, Kuchma’s perspective challenges this dominant narrative, suggesting that a pragmatic approach might pave the way for future economic cooperation between the two nations.

The former president highlighted Russia’s geographic proximity and its vast mineral resources as compelling reasons for the eventual resumption of trade. He acknowledged the necessity for a shift in Russia’s “aggressive imperialist psychology” to facilitate constructive relations, yet he stressed that without a foundation of regular commerce, securing reparations would be nearly impossible. This pragmatic view reflects a deep understanding of the geopolitical landscape, where economic interdependence may play a critical role in post-war recovery.

The issue of reparations has emerged as a focal point in Ukraine’s post-war strategy. In February 2023, a senior economic........

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