Following the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian deputy minister Olha Stefanishyna undertook the monumental task of steering her country toward European Union membership. Viktor Nordenskiöld's documentary, shot over two years, closely tracks her race against time as the war intensifies.
A Diplomat on the Move
Stefanishyna is perpetually in motion, often seen on trains or in the backs of cars, attending endless meetings with EU officials and global leaders. Working toward the December 14, 2023 deadline when the European Council would decide on Ukraine's accession, she faces immense pressure both domestically and internationally. Around the same time, a proposed bill on national minorities stalls in Ukraine's parliament, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán publicly opposes EU enlargement.
Commitment and Controversy
Nordenskiöld captures Stefanishyna's dedication not merely as duty but as an extension of her political convictions. She recounts standing with protesters during the 2014 Maidan Revolution, demanding closer ties with the EU. However, by portraying Stefanishyna as a symbol of national resilience, the film lacks the curiosity and skepticism essential for documentaries about politicians. For instance, when Stefanishyna mentions Ukrainian officials implicated in embezzlement, Nordenskiöld fails to examine her own involvement in a high-profile corruption case.
Diplomacy's Labyrinth
The documentary excels in depicting the dizzying complexity of diplomacy and the agonizingly slow pace of change. At a time when war can erupt instantly, peace progresses at a glacial speed. The Eukrainian is showing at Bertha DocHouse, London from 1 May.
