Program for Ukraine

DirectDemocracyS

Global Political Organization

UKRAINE: REAL DIAGNOSIS

AND A COMPLETE CONVERSION PROGRAM

Political, economic, financial and social program

for the people of Ukraine - from the people to the people

Prepared by: DirectDemocracyS (DDS)

www.directdemocracys.org

FOREWORD BY DirectDemocracyS

This document is not another abstract program written in offices far from reality. It is a concrete, detailed, realistic, and comprehensive plan for the transformation of Ukraine — drawn up on the basis of logic, common sense, knowledge of real problems, and the belief that every people deserves justice, dignity, and self-determination.

DirectDemocracyS is a global organization based on direct democracy, collective ownership, and collective leadership. We do not represent any state, any corporation, any geopolitical bloc. We represent people—all the people of the world—and we adhere to one fundamental principle: the natural resources, land, minerals, and critical infrastructure of every country belong exclusively to its people, and the power to make decisions about one’s own country can never be transferred to outside forces. We apply this principle to every country—without exception.

Our position on Ukraine is clear: we strongly condemn Russia’s aggression. We condemn corruption — in politics, the economy, the judiciary. We reject any attempt to control Ukraine’s resources or destiny from abroad — regardless of where they come from. At the same time, we believe that a way out of the current crisis requires simultaneously: a just peace through dialogue, deep internal transformation, and full sovereignty of the people over their own resources and decisions.

CORE PRINCIPLE OF DDS: The people of Ukraine are the sole legal owner of all natural resources, land, infrastructure and industrial assets of Ukraine. No external state, corporation or organization may claim ownership or control over them. This is an absolute right and is not subject to negotiation.

PART I: REAL DIAGNOSIS — THE ACTUAL STATE OF UKRAINE

1.1 Structural corruption: a systemic disease

Corruption in Ukraine is not a random phenomenon or the result of the actions of individual unscrupulous individuals. It is systemic — built into the structures of the state for decades. Since independence in 1991, Ukraine has consistently ranked among the worst in global corruption perception indices. In 2023, Transparency International ranked Ukraine 104th out of 180 countries. This is not just a statistic — it is evidence that the state systematically serves a narrow circle of interests, not the people.

Corruption permeates all levels: from petty bribes in hospitals and courts to the systemic capture of the state by oligarchic groups. The judicial system is not independent — it is a tool in the hands of those who are financially powerful. The prosecutor's office selectively prosecutes opponents and protects its own. Despite the reforms of the ProZorro platform, the public procurement system remains vulnerable to manipulation through bid rigging and shell companies.

A concrete example: During the full-scale war that began in February 2022, numerous scandals were revealed: inflated prices for winter equipment for the army, corruption in the distribution of humanitarian aid, misappropriation of international grants through front organizations. This is not only evidence of moral degradation - it shows that the system allows and actually encourages such behavior.

The roots of the problem: the lack of real independence of the judiciary; the weakness of civil society in holding elites accountable; the lack of effective protection for whistleblowers; the systemic fusion of business and government — the so-called "oligarchy."

1.2 Oligarchic system: state capture

After the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine experienced rapid and opaque privatization, which concentrated state property in the hands of a narrow circle of individuals. These individuals gained control over key sectors: metallurgy, energy, agribusiness, media, and banking. Each of them built their own networks of influence in parliament, the executive branch, and the judiciary, turning the state into a private instrument for protecting their own interests.

When 5-10 people control 40-50% of the country’s GDP, as well as a significant part of the media, electoral democracy turns into a theatrical performance. Citizens can vote, but the results reflect not the will of the people, but the balance of power between oligarchic groups. The 2021 Law “On Oligarchs” is a step in the right direction, but it does not eliminate the structural problem of concentration of ownership and control over the media space.

1.3 Economic structure: dependence and underdevelopment

The Ukrainian economy is characterized by excessive dependence on several sectors: the agro-industrial complex (Ukraine is one of the world leaders in the production of grain and sunflower oil), metallurgy and mining. This structure makes the country extremely vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices for raw materials. Despite the presence of significant human capital — Ukraine has one of the highest percentages of people with higher education in Europe — the potential remains unrealized due to the lack of industrial transformation, predatory corruption and mass emigration of qualified specialists.

Ukraine’s GDP in 2021 was about $200 billion, less than the GDP of Hungary, with a population 4 times smaller. The average salary in Ukraine was about $450 per month, while in Poland it was over $1,200, and in the Czech Republic it was over $1,500. This is a direct result of decades of inefficient management and the lack of a real industrial policy.

1.4 The situation during and after the war: destruction and challenges

Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 has caused catastrophic damage to Ukraine. Direct losses from the destruction of infrastructure, housing, and industrial facilities exceed $500 billion by various estimates. Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes. GDP has fallen by about 30% in 2022. Much of the industrial capacity in the east has been destroyed or occupied. Energy infrastructure has been systematically hit.

At the same time, despite the tragedy, some of the international aid was not used optimally: corruption schemes in procurement continued to operate even during martial law. This is not only a moral crime — it is a betrayal of those who fight and die on the front.

1.5 Geopolitical trap

Ukraine found itself in a geopolitical trap, the result of decades of manipulation by both Russia and the West. Russia viewed Ukraine as a natural part of its sphere of influence and reacted to any rapprochement with the EU and NATO as an existential threat. The West, in turn, promised support and integration without making concrete security commitments, pushing Ukraine into conflict without a reliable cover.

There is now a serious danger that, after the conflict ends, Ukraine could become a financially dependent country: a debtor obliged to pay with resources and sovereignty for the aid it has received. The IMF, the World Bank and private creditors have already built up a significant debt portfolio, the terms of which could become a new form of dependency.

CRITICAL ASSESSMENT DDS: Neither Russia nor the West acted and do not act primarily in the interests of the Ukrainian people. Russia committed criminal aggression. The West simultaneously provided assistance and promoted its own strategic and economic interests. The only reliable defender of the interests of the Ukrainian people can be the people themselves - through direct democracy, full sovereignty and conscious management of their own resources.

PART II: ENDING WAR — THE DDS PATH THROUGH DIALOGUE AND MUTUAL RESPECT

DDS strongly condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It is a violation of international law, a crime against the people of Ukraine, and a manifestation of imperialist logic incompatible with the values of humanity and respect for sovereignty. At the same time, we believe that any realistic path to peace must be based on dialogue and mutual respect, and not solely on military escalation.

2.1 Why a purely military solution is insufficient

We recognize Ukraine's right and duty to defend its territory and people. But a purely military solution to the conflict on its current scale threatens endless exhaustion, hundreds of thousands of additional victims on both sides, and uncertainty that could last for decades. In addition, none of the major powers supplying weapons to Ukraine is primarily interested in the well-being of the Ukrainian people - they pursue their own strategic interests. A prolonged conflict benefits arms manufacturers and at the same time creates conditions for economic penetration into Ukraine after its end.

2.2 Principles of peaceful settlement according to the DDS version

Ukraine's full sovereignty over its internationally recognized borders is indisputable. DDS does not and will never recognize any annexations.
The people of Ukraine, through direct voting, decide the terms of any peaceful settlement—no government can act without a popular mandate.
Compensation for damages by Russia is a mandatory element — concrete responsibility, not an abstract apology.
Ukraine's security is guaranteed not only by promises, but by specific mechanisms, without complete dependence on NATO.
No peaceful settlement can include the transfer of natural resources, land, or enterprises to foreign entities.

2.3 Concrete dialogue plan

Step 1: Neutral intermediaries

The negotiations cannot be held under the auspices of the US, the EU, NATO or Russia – all of these actors have a direct conflict of interest. The DDS proposes a format organized by neutral actors: Switzerland, India, Brazil, Turkey and several African states that are neither NATO members nor allies of Russia. This neutral mediation conference does not impose solutions, but creates a safe space for genuine dialogue.

Step 2: Popular mandate for negotiations

Any negotiations conducted on behalf of Ukraine must have a mandate directly from the people: through structured consultations across the country, including refugees abroad and internally displaced persons. No government can make peace without a direct popular mandate — this is a fundamental principle of the DDS.

Step 3: Joint reconstruction as a stimulus for peace

DDS proposes a “reconstruction as peace” model: an international consortium finances the reconstruction of devastated regions — but under full Ukrainian control. Russia compensates for the damage it caused as part of a peace agreement. Reconstruction projects are managed through transparent mechanisms with independent auditing.

Step 4: Security guarantees without complete NATO dependence

The DDS proposes a model of “guaranteed neutral sovereign existence”: Ukraine receives solid security guarantees through an international treaty signed by major powers (including Russia), but without obligations that limit sovereignty. Unlike the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, these guarantees should have automatic activation mechanisms—not just promises.

DDS POSITION: Peace is not a defeat — peace is a victory of a people choosing the lives of their children. But peace must be just and sovereign — it cannot be achieved at the cost of transferring resources or sovereignty to foreign players. We condemn Russia’s aggression absolutely. We also warn: peace must not turn into a new form of dependence.

PART III: REFORM OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM

3.1 Criticism of the current system

The 1996 Constitution of Ukraine created a semi-presidential system that for three decades generated chronic instability due to constant conflicts between the president and parliament. The changes to the constitution reflected not constitutional wisdom, but a temporary balance of power between oligarchic groups. The Verkhovna Rada is crowded with representatives of oligarchic interests - deputies effectively bought mandates. The proportional system with closed party lists deprived the voter of real choice. The recall of deputies by voters is virtually non-existent.

3.2 DDS model: direct democracy and hierarchy of responsibility

Local micro-groups

At the level of each block, village or microdistrict (100-500 inhabitants), permanent representative micro-groups are formed. They meet monthly, discuss local issues and convey consolidated positions to a higher level. They exercise direct control over local officials.

Fractal representation system

5 micro-groups are united into a district group. 5 district groups into a regional group. 5 regional groups into a national structure. Each level has specific delegated powers and is directly accountable to the lower level. Mandates are revocable at any time by a majority vote.

Direct referendums with protection against manipulation

Any major decision—a constitutional amendment, major international treaties, privatization programs—is put to a mandatory referendum. Questions are formulated neutrally and approved by an independent body; campaigns are financed only with public funds; equal access to public broadcasting is ensured.

Independent judiciary

Judges are appointed through a transparent procedure involving civil society, the legal community, and independent international observers. The president and parliament do not have the right to appoint judges unilaterally. The term of office is 12 years without extension. Mandatory asset declaration and regular integrity checks.

3.3 Anti-corruption reform

The current anti-corruption architecture (NABU, NACP, SAPO, VAKS) is a step forward, but leaders depend on the president, budgets are controlled by parliament, and sentences are appealed in corruption courts. The DDS reform provides for:

Constitutional independence of anti-corruption bodies with a protected budget of 0.5% of GDP is automatic.
Elections of leaders: 1/3 — Verkhovna Rada, 1/3 — independent professional associations, 1/3 — direct popular vote.
Automatic lifting of parliamentary immunity in criminal cases by decision of the anti-corruption court - without a vote in parliament.
Confiscation of illegally acquired assets with transfer to a reconstruction or healthcare fund - without the right to privatization.
Annual public asset declarations for all officials, judges, and their families with automatic alerts about discrepancies.
Full protection for whistleblowers: anonymous channels, legal protection, financial reward.

Example of implementation: Romania, through the independent Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) in 2013-2019, convicted over 1,000 corrupt officials, including a former prime minister. This proves that a systemic fight against corruption is possible - provided that the bodies are truly independent.

PART IV: ECONOMIC PROGRAM

4.1 Criticism of neoliberal prescriptions

The IMF and other international financial institutions have imposed standard neoliberal prescriptions on Ukraine for three decades: spending cuts, privatization, deregulation. The results are telling: privatization has enriched the oligarchs, not the state; social spending cuts have undermined human capital; deregulation has opened the way for predatory capital. After the conflict, there is a danger of “IMF reconstruction”: loans instead of non-repayable grants, mandatory privatization of state assets, opening the agricultural market to foreign corporations. DDS strongly rejects this scenario.

4.2 DDS model: sovereign mixed economy

Strategic sectors (energy, natural resources, water, basic infrastructure) remain in state or cooperative ownership under democratic control.
Small and medium-sized businesses are completely free and encouraged through simplified regulation, accessible credit, and an efficient judicial system.
Large enterprises operate in a market environment, but are subject to antitrust control and restrictions on ownership concentration.
Foreign investment is welcome, but never includes ownership of strategic resources, land, or critical infrastructure.

4.3 Agricultural sector: sovereignty over land

Ukraine's black soils, the most fertile on the planet, account for about 30% of all fertile land in Europe. The 2021 legislative reform that opened the land market already allows for the acquisition of large plots by legal entities and potentially foreign entities. DDS finds this unacceptable and proposes:

Constitutional prohibition of foreign ownership of agricultural land. Land can only be owned by citizens of Ukraine or cooperatives formed by citizens of Ukraine.
Concentration restrictions: no individual or legal entity can own more than 200 hectares. Some agroholdings now control hundreds of thousands of hectares - this is unacceptable.
Transition from agroholdings to cooperatives: priority access of farmer cooperatives to credit, machinery and markets. Example - the Danish cooperative model.
Transparent online land registry in real time: who purchased what area, where, and at what price.

The expected result: under the cooperative model, income from the agricultural sector (about $12-15 billion annually in the pre-war period) remains in rural communities, rather than being concentrated in urban business centers or being taken abroad.

4.4 Industrial transformation

National Industrial Transformation Plan for 15 years: gradual transition from raw material production to products with higher added value.
Green metallurgy technologies (hydrogen steel): Ukraine can take a leading position in new industries.
Reconversion of defense enterprises into technological hubs: Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia have a powerful engineering base.
Development of the IT sector: from $5 billion to $20+ billion in exports through university technology parks and public venture financing.

4.5 Energy independence

Nuclear energy: restoration and development of nuclear generation under strict IAEA control, exclusively in state ownership.
Renewable Energy: National Renewable Energy Program — sun (south) and wind (east, Black Sea region) — with public financing through green bonds.
Own gas: accelerated development of gas fields under state management without concessions to foreign corporations.
Decentralized energy: Municipal and cooperative energy systems reduce the vulnerability of the centralized grid.

PART V: FINANCIAL REFORM

5.1 Criticism of the current financial system

Ukraine’s banking system suffered a massive collapse in 2014-2016: over 80 banks were liquidated, including PrivatBank, which was to be nationalized due to a $5.5 billion fraud—and depositors’ funds were bailed out at taxpayer expense, while the perpetrators continued to evade accountability. The hryvnia has been characterized by chronic volatility—from UAH 8/$1 in 2013 to over UAH 40/$1 in 2023. This has directly reduced real incomes and undermined savings.

5.2 DDS Reform

Public Development Bank

A state institution under parliamentary control and citizen oversight that provides loans at zero or minimum interest rates to: small and medium-sized businesses; farmers' cooperatives; municipal investments in social housing, transport and energy; scientific and technological research. Example: KfW Development Bank in Germany, which provides over €100 billion annually.

Debt strategy

Negotiations on restructuring under the principle of "reconstruction beyond debt service."
Converting part of the bilateral debt to allied states into non-refundable grants - they fought through Ukraine to protect their own interests.
Full transparency of the debt portfolio: every agreement with creditors is public, online, with terms and interest rates.
Refusal of conditional IMF loans that involve privatization or the cancellation of social programs.

5.3 Tax reform

Progressive income tax: up to 3 times the median earnings - minimum taxation; over 20 times - 40%; over 50 times - 60%.
Rent tax on excess profits in the resource sector: above the average market level of profit - an additional tax of 30%.
Radical fight against shadow banking: mandatory bank accounts for enterprises, controlled transactions, automatic exchange between registries.
Abolition of offshore schemes: any company that receives income in Ukraine pays taxes in Ukraine — regardless of registration.

PART VI: SOCIAL PROGRAM

6.1 Health care

Constitutional obligation: at least 7% of GDP on healthcare (compared to 3-4% in pre-war times).
Fully public primary and emergency medical care — free for all, without informal payments.
Decentralization: every community of over 5,000 people has a guaranteed fully staffed medical facility.
A decent salary for doctors (at least 3 times the median earnings) eliminates the incentive for bribes.
Mass psychosocial rehabilitation program for veterans and victims of conflict — PTSD is a nationwide problem that requires a systemic response.

6.2 Education

Constitutional obligation: at least 8% of GDP on education.
Free quality education from preschool to higher education for all citizens.
Complete digitalization: Internet and equipment in every school, digital textbooks.
Higher education reform: quality instead of mass, close connection with the labor market and research centers.
Programs for the return of expatriate scientists: scholarships, grants, guaranteed positions.
Mandatory anti-corruption and civic education as an independent subject from the 5th grade.

6.3 Social protection and pensions

Digital payments through Diya or a similar system — directly to the account, without intermediaries.
Guaranteed minimum income: no citizen lives below a decent living wage.
Pension reform: three pillars — public solidarity system, mandatory accumulation under state management, voluntary private accumulation.
Special support for veterans and families of the deceased: lifetime free medical care, priority access to housing and education.
Gender equality: equal pay with real control mechanisms; equal representation at all levels of management.

6.4 Social housing

National program for the reconstruction of destroyed housing with priority for IDPs, veterans, and the low-income.
Municipal social housing fund: at least 10% of the total fund of each city.
Prohibition of speculative purchase of housing by financial funds of more than 50 units - the rental market is not monopolized.

PART VII: SOVEREIGNTY OVER RESOURCES — AN ABSOLUTE PRINCIPLE OF DDS

DirectDemocracyS applies this principle to every country without exception: the natural resources, land, minerals, water, and critical infrastructure of every country belong exclusively to the people and can never be transferred to foreign states, corporations, or financial funds.

7.1 Natural resources

Coal, iron, manganese, titanium, uranium, rare earth metals: fully state-owned. No permanent transfer of ownership rights to foreign entities.
Gas and oil: exploration and production through a state-owned company or mixed JVs, where a controlling stake always remains with Ukraine.
Water: inalienable national property. Water supply is never privatized.

7.2 Protection from “shock therapy” after the war

DDS warns of the risk of exploiting Ukraine's post-war vulnerability to impose conditions for "opening" markets. Specific precautions:

Any contract with foreign companies for reconstruction is subject to a mandatory public audit before signing.
No conditional privatization as a condition for receiving assistance.
Reconstruction is being prioritized for Ukrainian companies and cooperatives.
An independent parliamentary committee with international observers from civil society monitors each agreement.

7.3 Digital sovereignty

Citizen data is stored exclusively under Ukrainian jurisdiction.
Investments in national technological potential: universities, research centers, public venture financing.
Prohibition of monopolization of critical digital infrastructure without full regulation.

PART VIII: IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND EXPECTED IMPACTS

8.1 Phase One: Stabilization and Foundation (1-2 years)

Immediate anti-corruption reform: constitutional independence, new appointment procedure, public declarations.
Transparent registry of destroyed property and restoration procedures with public audit.
A popular mandate for peace negotiations through structured consultations with the population.
Independent audit of all loan agreements concluded since 2022.
Moratorium on the sale of agricultural land until constitutional protection is adopted.

8.2 Phase Two: Deep Reforms (3-5 Years)

Constitutional reform: direct democracy, independent judiciary, resource protection.
Launch of the Public Development Bank.
National Industrial Transformation Plan.
Education and healthcare reform.
Debt restructuring negotiations.

8.3 Phase Three: Consolidation and Growth (6-15 years)

Development of renewable energy and complete energy independence.
Technological transformation of industry.
Full implementation of the cooperative model in the agricultural sector.
Demographic stabilization: refugee return programs.
Joining the EU on the basis of full sovereignty — without privatization of strategic assets, without opening the land market to foreigners.

8.4 Expected results in 10 years

Indicator	Current status	DDS Goal (10 years)
Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)	104/180 (2023)	Top 40/180
GDP per capita	~4,000 USD (2022)	~12,000 USD
Average salary	~400 USD/month	~900 USD/month
Healthcare costs	~3-4% of GDP	7% of GDP
Education expenses	~5% of GDP	8% of GDP
Share of renewables in generation	~10%	40%
Shadow economy	~30-35% of GDP	~10% of GDP
Foreign ownership of land	Growing threat	Constitutional prohibition

CONCLUSIONS: TO THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE

DirectDemocracyS addresses the people of Ukraine not as an outside observer, but as part of a global movement that believes that every people is capable of governing themselves, protecting their resources, and building a just society — without the tutelage of great powers and without the corruption of elites.

Ukraine faces an unprecedented choice. The end of the conflict will open the door to either genuine transformation or a new form of dependence—this time financial and corporate. The choice between these paths depends on whether the people of Ukraine can take real control of their own destiny.

We do not offer a perfect program—there are no perfect programs. We offer a realistic, concrete, logical, and common-sense roadmap built on four undeniable principles:

SOVEREIGNTY: all decisions regarding Ukraine are made exclusively by the people of Ukraine.
JUSTICE: Natural resources and public goods serve the people — not oligarchs or foreign corporations.
ACCOUNTABILITY: All those holding public office are directly accountable to the people and can be recalled at any time.
PEACE: the conflict ends through dialogue and mutual respect, with the preservation of sovereignty - without surrender and without new dependence.

The people of Ukraine deserve freedom, dignity, and prosperity. Not as a gift from outside — as a result of their own will and their own struggle.

DirectDemocracyS stands with the people of Ukraine — not with any government, not with any geopolitical bloc, not with any oligarchs or corporations. With the people — always. This is not a slogan — this is our commitment.

DirectDemocracyS

www.directdemocracys.org