President Volodymyr Zelensky has introduced a ten-point Domestic Resilience Plan to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Parliament, in an effort to bolster the nation’s social, economic, and security resilience amid the protracted conflict with Russia. The plan, which spans multiple domains from military reform to cultural autonomy, is designed to fortify Ukraine’s internal structures against ongoing challenges.
1. Unity and Political Cooperation
The first pillar underscores the importance of national unity and enhanced political coordination with civil society. This includes fast-tracking Ukraine’s integration with the European Union and NATO, enhancing digital governance, and establishing legal accountability for Russia’s actions through an international tribunal and reinforced sanctions. Zelensky noted that Ukraine has nearly completed the legislative screening process necessary for EU accession, with negotiations on the first cluster of agreements set to begin in early 2025. Furthermore, he highlighted that Ukraine has secured 27 bilateral security agreements, primarily with NATO members, underlining widespread allied support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
2. Frontline Stabilisation
The second point addresses the need for comprehensive reforms in Ukraine’s Defence Forces, including improving mobilisation and recruitment processes as well as focusing on rigorous training for the military. Zelensky indicated that stabilising the battlefield situation remains a priority, along with sustaining specialised operations targeting Russian forces and their assets.
3. Defence Production and Technological Expansion
With a focus on building defence capacity, the third pillar calls for scaling up Ukraine’s domestic weapons production. This includes expanding partnerships with allies to attract investments in Ukraine’s defence industry and ensuring security for defence manufacturing facilities. A new technology council will be established to convene experts and foster discussions on advanced military technologies, with the first session slated for December 2024.
4. Economic Stability and Business Support
Economic stability is a critical element of the fourth point, with initiatives aimed at supporting social programmes, insuring military risks, and strengthening business security in Ukraine. The government intends to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and promote transparency through measures to address the shadow economy, ensuring a more resilient economic base.
5. Energy Security
In response to energy-related vulnerabilities, the fifth point focuses on safeguarding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a sector frequently targeted in the ongoing conflict. The plan includes strengthening energy generation, enhancing gas extraction, and implementing region-specific energy resilience standards to secure a steady energy supply across Ukraine.
6. Domestic Security
The sixth point prioritises public safety across Ukraine. Efforts will focus on crime prevention, measures against pro-Russian collaborators, increased police presence in public spaces and educational institutions, and the installation of metal detectors in public facilities. Additional plans include expanding bomb shelters and conducting demining operations to improve safety in affected regions.
7. Community Engagement
The seventh element of the plan seeks to empower local communities by involving them more directly in Ukraine’s state decision-making processes. Zelensky noted that this approach will continue through the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, aiming to address the needs of diverse communities, including ethnic minorities.
8. Human Capital Development
Human capital development is a key priority, with Zelensky proposing the establishment of a Ministry for the Unification of Ukrainians by the end of the year. Other measures include reforming Ukraine’s diplomatic service, introducing multiple citizenship options, and enhancing educational and healthcare systems. The plan also aims to foster a strengthened relationship between the state and religious institutions, explicitly excluding the Moscow Patriarchate in favour of those supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
9. Cultural Sovereignty
The ninth point focuses on cultural resilience, proposing the creation of a “cultural Ramstein” initiative, set for next year. This project aims to replace Russian cultural influences in Ukraine with local content suited for various social and age groups. Additional steps include promoting Ukrainian literature abroad, establishing Ukrainian studies programmes in international universities, and revitalising cultural infrastructure within Ukraine. Zelensky also emphasised ongoing efforts to document and seek accountability for Russian acts against Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
10. Veterans’ Policy
The final pillar of the plan is dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s veterans. State-funded initiatives will provide social and economic integration programmes for veterans and their families, while incentives are being designed to facilitate veterans’ entry into public service. Zelensky announced plans to establish at least 80 veteran centres in communities across Ukraine by the following year.
Following the presentation of his resilience plan, Zelensky presented state awards to military personnel, cultural figures, civil society leaders, and entrepreneurs. The event was attended by key Ukrainian government officials, members of the Presidential Office, diplomats, and senior security officials, including Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Chief of Defence Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, and National Security and Defence Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko.
Zelensky’s ten-point Domestic Resilience Plan, encompassing security, economy, culture, and community empowerment, provides a comprehensive strategy for Ukraine to sustain its socio-political and economic frameworks. This roadmap aims to strengthen Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability amid the ongoing conflict, addressing critical vulnerabilities to ensure continued resilience.
