"I acknowledge that at the time, the Maidan caught me by surprise. By focusing primarily on the economy, I underestimated the dynamics of social processes. I thought that if the country had a good economic situation and political freedoms were in place (which was indeed the case), then people had no reason to be discontent. I reiterate, I underestimated the level of demand for a mature, reflective society that had developed in Ukraine during my presidency," he stated, continuing his thought that for the authorities, it is crucial to prevent polarization and divisions in society more than to avert protests against themselves.
According to Kuchma, the most alarming moment of the Orange Revolution in 2004 for him was the day in November when the Party of Regions brought its supporters to Kyiv to "simulate a 'reverse Maidan'."
"Typically, they did not move beyond the railway station and, after rallying, returned home. But one day, [then-presidential candidate Viktor] Yanukovych, speaking at another rally, called on his supporters to unblock state institutions and deal with the 'orange' people standing there. And the crowd of 'capital guests,' fueled not only by Yanukovych's fiery speeches, headed toward Maidan. When I learned about this, I instantly and forever realized the difference between Maidan and civil confrontation," added the former president.
Kuchma expressed confidence that there would be no significant clashes between Maidan participants and law enforcement because he "gave a clear order that force could not be used against the protesters."
"But I could not guarantee anything if the 'Donetsk' people actually reached Maidan. Herein lies the difference: the authorities can regulate the Maidan by restraining themselves (unfortunately, not always, as 2014 showed), because they are a party in this conflict. However, affecting conflicts within society, once they have already ignited, is much more difficult for them," he added. "On that day, I employed all levers to stop the aggressive crowd as quickly as possible and return them to the station. I have learned that lesson for life."
The war, as Kuchma hopes, has made Ukrainian society even more mature and responsible.
"It has recognized the vital necessity of a strong state of its own, regardless of the grievances it may have against it. Our people did not go to the front and territorial defense from the very first hours of the Russian invasion for nothing; they are not giving almost everything they have today for military supplies to then jeopardize what they are defending with their own hands. Indeed, even if we assume that the consequences of Maidan will be entirely positive, the state inevitably weakens at the moment it occurs. Russia has already exploited this in 2014 and will undoubtedly do everything to strike us a powerful blow if it happens again. Therefore, I hope that both the authorities and society will have the wisdom and survival instinct to prevent new Maidans," concluded the ex-president.