2024 will be a year of new challenges, tests of strength, and transformations for Ukraine. But there is no doubt that Ukrainians are a resilient people who will not be broken or give in to anything.
We discuss future prospects and threats in an exclusive interview with a person who is not the second but also not the third most important person in the country – the Head of the National Bank, Andriy Pyshnyy.
How do you personally see the year 2024 for your country? What do you think has not been done enough?
Undoubtedly, this year will be another year of full-scale war. The challenges facing the country, first and foremost, are not to lose it, as our enemy is very strong and continually flexing its muscles. Therefore, we must change within the country and work with allies, primarily with our main partner – the United States. And I can assure you that all of this is a priority for our President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his team. It is significant work happening around the clock. The entire President’s Office team is working on securing military aid for the country and ensuring that the military receives Western weapons. Two years ago, we couldn’t hope for Leopards, and today the prospect of receiving F-16 planes is on the horizon. It’s all very complex work. For me, as the head of the NBU, there are challenges as well. It is primarily about maintaining financial and economic stability in the country. There is also a lot of work ahead with partners and the IMF.
You mentioned Volodymyr Zelenskyy. What are your relations and the level of communication with him?
The President is a key stakeholder, and the level and substance of communication must be appropriate, something I strive to ensure.
The interaction is constant and constructive both with the President and with the Head of the Office, Andriy Yermak. When it comes to interaction with external partners and fulfilling the commitments made by Ukraine, it is important to be on the same side.
I talk to Volodymyr Zelenskyy practically every day. I have known many presidents in Ukraine, and I can say that with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, you can simply send a message in a messenger and resolve issues. No formalities or hours of waiting will be needed.
We are recording the interview after President Zelenskyy’s major press conference. He touched on a crucial issue – mobilization. As a member of the National Security and Defense Council, you probably have insights into how this will be implemented?
Yes, you are right. The President emphasized the expectation of a plan from the initiative group on how many people need to be mobilized into the army now. We must not forget that we are at war, and the enemy constantly attacks. But there are also people who have been on the front lines for the second year. As the President emphasized, we need to replace the military as well. I am confident that as soon as a real strategy is developed, it will be promptly considered by Zelenskyy because these things are a priority for him now.
I personally understand what our mobilization should look like. We must outmatch the enemy in all components – both human and technical. If we need people in the army, the National Bank will do everything to find the money for them. We often discuss Ukraine’s victory at the National Security and Defense Council, and I feel joy that I can contribute to the victory strategy. It feels like being in Winston Churchill’s cabinet. Right now, we are doing everything to defeat Russia.
How would you comment on the possible mobilization of women, as this is actively discussed in your country?
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would not sign such a measure, and I fully support him on this. Although there were different opinions. In the modern world, it cannot be said that only men should fight, and women should not. Women should actively participate in defending the country. Perhaps the idea of mobilizing women for military production could be considered. Overall, I want to emphasize once again that I support any position of our President. He is the Supreme Commander.
Can you comment on whether there is indeed a crisis in Zelenskyy’s relationship with Zaluzhnyi?
Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself dispelled rumors of any conflicts with Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi. And I have already commented on this. There are no disagreements – everyone is working for Ukraine and victory. As I mentioned, Zelenskyy has no plans to dismiss Zaluzhnyi. I know this for sure, directly from him.
You already mentioned the importance of international support. How do frontline actions affect aid to Ukraine?
International financial support remains critically important for us and will be so for some time. As you know, we are not advancing on the front; we are in defense. And, in fact, we already hear talks about reducing aid for us. In the US, they probably won’t pass a funding package this year; it will likely happen in January next year. But this is much more challenging than before. The same goes for funding from the EU. Unfortunately, the war continues, and there are no signs that it will end soon. Therefore, if donors are genuinely fatigued, Ukraine may face a new – potentially deep – funding crisis next year. But I am confident that the President’s Office is already working on this to prevent a major problem.
What priorities do you see for yourself in the coming year?
I will continue to do everything I am doing. Because right now, Ukraine is one continuous front. In my case, it is economic. There is a lot of work both internally and with partners. Also, important is the work on sanctions against Russia. I am actively working on that front as well. There is a lot of work, so we do everything for victory.
