As Russia continues to needlessly wage war against Ukraine, the world is watching on helplessly in despair as the country’s vital infrastructure and civilisation is being destroyed. Innocent civilians in the most hard-hit regions of Ukraine, notably the country’s southern region, are continuing to seek safety in other neighbouring European countries.
To the credit of Ukraine, the defiance and resilience shown by its Government and President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a hallmark of the war. In his latest address to his nation – five months since the conflict began – President Zelensky showed unwavering resolve once again by declaring the country’s digital transformation would continue in the face of escalating attacks from Russia. Ukraine’s deputy PM, Mykhailo Fedorov, reiterated the country’s defiant stance, saying, “Digital services cannot be destroyed by missiles”.
Despite the constant physical bombardments the country is enduring, digital assets, infrastructure and data remains an untouchable commodity that Russia can not destroy. President Zelensky has previously rallied optimism for his country by stating he wants Ukraine to become the “most digital country” in the world, and this sentiment was echoed by the Deputy PM during a conference in Lugano, Switzerland.
There can be no doubt that the war with Russia has accelerated Ukraine’s digital transformation plans into action by the pure will of its Government to thrive amid the destruction. The advantage is that Ukraine would be able to grow its digital economy, goals of levelling-up and maintain a sense of normality by continuing to enable digital services and businesses and administrative bodies to operate. Government and administrative services would be available through using mobile apps and digital currency would replace physical money.
Immediate priorities include a remotely digital education system which the Government hopes to implement within the next year to support children and families whose education and daily lives have been destroyed by the war. Other elements of digitalisation to level up Ukraine would be feasible over a lengthier three year period, such as a digitalised healthcare system and digital or cryptocurrency.
in addition to civilian aid related to the conflict and military equipment, Ukraine would rely on other NATO countries with advanced technological and digital economies for further funds and infrastructure to boost its digital ecosystem. Eventually, Ukraine’s plans of digitalisation will extend further than a military defence or strategy for recovery after the war. President Volodymyr Zelensky also stressed Ukraine’s objective to add AI capabilities to its judicial system.
