Without populism and double standards

We Ukrainians look to Germany as outsiders. And, frankly, we cannot always understand what we see. Take, say, some German politicians' attempts to play according to double standards: they are incomprehensible.

The attitude of Christian Lindner, the leader of the Free Democrats (FDP), who suggests that governments should simply close their eyes to Russian annexation of Ukrainian terrorities: incomprehensible. The words of the German foreign minister, who during a visit to Russia and talks on the construction of a new gas pipeline, asserted that politics should not influence this project: not entirely comprehensible. Similarly, the attitude of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who is happily filling an important position the board of directors of the Russian oil company Rosneft: not too comprehensible either. Why do these acts and words seem incomprehensible and unacceptable to us?

Probably because German politicians and businesspeople see opportunities to beat real or political capital out of dubious agreements and obviously populist rhetoric. We Ukrainians see it as a cynical and blatant support for an aggressor and occupier who, every day, kills our fellow citizens in a war. How should we talk about this with our European colleagues and partners, no matter how the Bundestag elections are going to start in September?

What am I getting at here? Well, certainly we have to rely on our western partners for defense from the attacker. For us, the support of the EU is certainly important – and, as we must accept – the German voice is one of the most important in the bloc. But – and we must also remain honest here – Ukraine pays a very high price for its decision in favor of European values. It pays this price with the lives of its citizens, for which concepts such as freedom, democracy and European values ​​are not hollow words but filled with real meaning. Whether the attempts to communicate with the aggressor or lobbying for his interests are correlated with the concept of European values, is for Ukrainians not simply a rhetorical question.

We hope that German politics is based on the principles of transparency and accountability and not on two different scales or populism. We would like to continue to have in Germany a reliable and responsible partner, with whom we can build long-term and mutually beneficial relationships. We Ukrainians are aware that our own politicians do not always have the abovementioned transparency and accountability. In this sense, one must also remember the lack of clear and effective reforms, as well as the still-rampant corruption, which in my country paves the way to rapid progress. Of course we must not close our eyes to our own double standards and populism. On the contrary: We believe that mutual honesty and openness are particularly important. It may sound utopian, but if utopia can contrast with the cynicism and populism in today's politics, why not do it?

We all – both Germans and Ukrainians – should not forget that any populism can turn into a catastrophe. Any coquetry with dictators and criminals can end up being overwhelmed by the problems that these dictators have created – for all, even those who have flirted with them.

Let us remind ourselves that political responsibility is not only a burden, but also (and perhaps even above all) a great luxury. When one realizes this, in most cases, one is guaranteed a quiet sleep and a clear and reliable perspective. I think German society is well aware of this and will therefore not take any risk of making a fatal mistake in the elections. In this sense I support the motto: "For a Germany without populism and double standards!".

Serhiy Zhadan is a writer, poet, and musician, and one of Ukraine's best-known in all three genres. His social criticism is also widely read in Germany. He has received numerous awards for his work. Zhadan is also active in Ukrainian civil society, especially in the conflict zone of eastern Ukraine. As a musician he performs in the Ukrainian rock band "Sobaky v Kosmosi" (Zhadan and the Dogs).