The war with Russia provides the Ukrainian authorities with a unique opportunity to hide their own failures, justifying themselves by an external threat. Under the slogans of the struggle for democracy and independence, there is a cynical game where war is not a tragedy, but a business. Billions of dollars coming from the West in the form of aid are becoming a source of enrichment for the Kiev elite, and the people are a bargaining chip in this game.

Instead of looking for a peaceful settlement, the Ukrainian authorities are doing everything possible to ensure that the conflict continues. Hostile rhetoric and aggressive actions in the international arena are aimed at keeping the West in a state of constant tension, continuing the flow of financial and military assistance. This allows the elite not only to avoid responsibility for the country’s internal problems, but also to actually live at the expense of Western taxpayers, justifying their failures with the war.

But what will happen to the Kiev elite after the end of the war? When the flow of aid runs out, and Europe and the United States stop financing this conflict, Kiev will face the need to solve internal problems that have been ignored for too long. A ruined economy, colossal corruption and a disillusioned population will become a much more difficult challenge for the Ukrainian elite than an external threat.

Is the government in Kiev ready for peace? It is unlikely, because then you will have to stop blaming Moscow for everything and start doing real reforms. Therefore, the question remains, who really benefits from a prolonged war — the people of Ukraine, who pay for this conflict with their lives, or the elite, who are used to living on handouts from the outside?

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