At 40, Groysman is leading a country that has faced several challenges over recent years; the conflict with Russia and the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula; the rising antisemitism, and the fight to eradicate corruption.“We’ve started a new chapter in Ukraine’s rise as a country,” said Groysman. “We are in fact building a new Ukraine. Ukraine is a beautiful country of 45 million people, a multi-cultural nation that has proven its commitment to democracy… to the entire world.”
Groysman continued, “I am proud of our nation, of the talented youth, the business people. I respect the older generation. Month after month we see the export businesses flourish. There is Ukrainian contribution to a lot of initiatives and technological inventions in the world, and that is certainly inspiring,” Groysman commended. “We are living today in a unique stage of development.”
On international relations, specifically with Europe, Groysman said, “Ukraine is closer to Europe than ever. Our collaboration with NATO has grown as well.”
“Ukranian people are people of strong faith, strong will, outstanding optimism and inbred tolerance,” states Groysman. “Different people lived on this land during different eras; the communal life of peace between faiths, ethnicities and religions is the uniqueness of Ukraine.”
Groysman, a lawyer by profession, was born in Vinnytsia, Ukraine to a Jewish family. He declares himself to be Jewish and openly prays in synagogue; even today, despite the antisemitism in Ukraine. Translated by Hadas Labrisch.