To Ukraine’s Next Generation of Leaders: Support Politicians with Vision – Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair

Ukrainians should support politicians who set far-reaching goals, even if the path to these goals is challenging, advised former British prime minister Tony Blair, in a discussion with Victor Pinchuk and Shimon Peres, the former president of Israel.

Seated together on a panel at the 12^th Yalta European Strategy (YES) Annual Meeting, Blair and Peres spoke about the challenges and solutions Ukraine must overcome in order to be a more modern, open and prosperous country.

"I would like to say, especially to young people in Ukraine who are asking themselves about the future as they are surrounded by all these current problems... My first piece of advice is to support politicians who think and care about your future,” said Blair. “Even if it's hard now, it will benefit your country in the long run," he noted.

Blair stressed that reforms and changes are painful, but critical. "Change the system where it is necessary. Politicians cannot make such changes on their own, they need support," he said.

The former British prime minister added that millions of people in Europe and around the world support Ukrainians in their struggle. "You are carrying on your shoulders the hope not only of your country, but in my opinion, the hope and values of entire Europe," he concluded. 

The 12th Yalta European Strategy Annual Meeting is streamed live at yes-ukraine.org as well as web-sites of the Media Partners in English and Ukrainian.

The official Twitter of the 12^th YES Annual Meeting is @yes_ukraine, and participants and followers can include the hashtag: #YESUkraine2015.