Debate Russia versus Ukraine and the future of Europe

Abstract

The proclamation as president of Volodímir Zelenski on May 20, 2019 did not alleviate, but even sharpened the tension between kyiv and Moscow as the new president reiterated his desire to strengthen ties with both the EU and NATO. From the outset there was no understanding: a few months later, in July, during the summit between the EU and Ukraine held in kyiv, Zelensky expressed his satisfaction with the positive results of the Association Agreement between the parties with a substantial increase in trade of up to 50% since 2016 while reiterating its commitment to continue along this line of action. In addition, to further strengthen his position, the president was favored by the results of the legislative elections held shortly after, on the 21st, with the overwhelming victory of the party that supported him, Servant of the People, (more than 42% of the votes and absolute majority), which was another blow to the Kremlin's aspirations to influence Ukrainian politics.