CHANGE OF THE ATTITUDE OF THE UKRAINIAN ELITE TOWARDS UKRAINE

             Firstly, who do I refer to as the elite? In my understanding, it's not the oligarchs or politicians, but the middle class. The layer that directly influences the country's future, its image, and direction. The genuine (not declared) attitude of the elite towards the country, their perception of its place and role on the global stage, and the self-identification of elite members – these are the main indicators of whether the country has a future at all.

             It's quite simple. If the elite believes in the country, they don't strive to take money out of it, send their children abroad, and then follow them. Money is the lifeblood of a country's economy, and children are its future. Together, they form the foundation. Can anything be built without a foundation?

             War has changed a lot in our lives and consciousness. One crucial change is rarely discussed, as not everyone has the courage to admit it. What's changed? How things used to be. And here's how it used to be.

             People who emerged from poverty, built businesses, and amassed some capital sought to send their children abroad, minimize taxes, open accounts in foreign banks, and, having put business processes on track, to leave far away. What has changed? In the three months of this chaotic and purposeless war that our neighbors initiated against us, a revolution occurred in the mindset of the middle class.

             I discuss this topic extensively with friends and fellow entrepreneurs. Last month, I conducted about thirty interviews with people who left Ukraine, taking their children away from the war. Mostly representatives of the middle class, our elite.

             Each conversation confirms: people now view their country differently, wanting to live in it and have their children live in it. Every person I talked to who left plans to return as soon as Ukraine becomes safe. Acquainted entrepreneurs who remain in Ukraine no longer see their goal as sending their children to live abroad. I fully share this sentiment, as I myself am undergoing a significant internal transformation.

             The change primarily relates to our self-identification. How did we perceive ourselves before? Especially the residents of the northern and eastern parts of the country who experienced some conscious years during the Soviet era. We lacked a clear national identity. To some extent, we were torn between Europe and Russia. Trying to sit on two chairs, catering to two centers of influence – economic and mental. While dealing with Russian partners, dreaming that our children would live in the USA. This was in many minds until the Revolution of Dignity and the start of the war in Donbas. For some, the internal shift only occurred during the night of February 24. After Russia's actions, it is no longer a partner, a reference point, or a center of influence for us. Respect has turned into contempt and aversion. The final break, not only in diplomatic and economic but also in mental ties, aided self-identification. Away from Russia, closer to the West with its values, rules, and way of life.

             We have developed deep respect for our country and pride in it. We see how Ukraine's image has changed on the international stage. We are understood, respected, and accepted into the circle of countries that once gained independence and therefore understand its value. Now we are truly fighting for our freedom. Not with documents and signatures, but with blood. While our partners undoubtedly support us, it is us who are fighting, defending the entire civilized world and covering Europe. The pain from a treacherous attack on your home and an attempt to take away everything dear to you heightens emotions. You realize how strongly you are truly attached to your country.

             A strong, heroic country that you want to help, to give to, to build upon. But certainly not take from it. The desire to minimize taxes has turned into a willingness to pay promptly and even in advance.

             Trust in authority. Right now, it's probably the highest it's been in all the years of independence. There's also the belief that the increased trust won't turn into subsequent disillusionment, as it used to after revolutions. The war should teach those in power responsibility and renew the terms of the social contract, which, let's be honest, has been very weak and one-sided.

             We looked at our country with completely different eyes. Speaking for myself: I've visited over 80 countries, but now I can confidently say that Ukraine is the most comfortable place for both living and business (with very liberal conditions for entrepreneurship). Wonderful climate, beautiful people, convenient logistics, high-quality infrastructure that some European countries might envy.

            "The grass is always greener on the other side" – that mindset lingered in my head for a long time, fueling the desire to leave home in search of a more beautiful and comfortable life – for myself or for my children. When my eldest daughter turned 15, the decision that she would study and live in the West matured and wasn't discussed. She graduated from an academy in the USA and lives in Los Angeles. The younger one is also 15 now. Since early childhood, I've been preparing her for the same scenario. The question wasn't whether to leave or not, but at what age – 15 or 17? The war settled that – my daughter left for Europe.

             I'm glad she's safe, but recently I caught myself thinking: I would like her to return home after our victory, study and work here, build her family here. For the first time in many years, I realized that perhaps she will have more opportunities for self-realization in Ukraine, because Europe is saturated. In the new Ukraine, there will be room for everyone, especially talented children who have seen the world and imbibed Western values.

            "Still, we're outsiders there, our children will always be children of immigrants," said one of my interviewees who left Germany due to the war and dreams of returning with her child as soon as Ukraine is safe again.

             We're paying too high a price for our sovereignty and our future. Such "investments" cannot go unrewarded.