In this episode of PowerLunch, the outgoing Ukrainian ambassador to Denmark Mykhailo Vydoinyk gives his final interview.
In conversation with Danish publicist Nicolai Rossen, Vydoinyk delves deep into subjects surrounding his wartime ambassadorship and the new global geopolitical landscape after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“I didn’t sleep until May, probably,” says Vydoinyk, recalling the relentless stream of messages he received every night – each containing crucial information about the then-new invasion of Russia that started on February 24, 2022. The fear of missing a critical update kept him awake.
Despite the media’s shift away from Ukraine with the emergence of a new conflict in the Middle East, Vydoinyk is resolute that Ukraine is not in competition for attention with Israel.
He highlights the interplay of consequences from the two wars, such as the skyrocketing price of ammunition after the Hamas attack on October 7th, which significantly impacts the overall cost of the Ukraine war.
On the other hand, Vydoinyk is worried that people will not pay enough attention to Russia. He even speculates on Russia’s future moves, emphasising the “when” rather than “if” of a Russian attack on NATO members. He adds that Kosovo could be a potential hotspot for Russian manoeuvres, and we should keep a close eye on this country in our own backyard.
Vydoinyk even suggests there could be Russian involvement in the Hamas attack, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
The episode concludes with a chilling prognosis about Russia’s strategy in case Ukraine falls. With a population of 40 million, Ukraine could become a recruitment ground for Russia, exerting further pressure on NATO.
As his final words to Denmark, Vydoinyk chose the words: “Mange tak” for the support the country has provided Ukraine in this time of need.
