The second President of Ukraine (1994-2005) Leonid Kuchma notes the importance of ensuring unity in domestic policy and transparent consistency of actions in foreign policy by the Ukrainian authorities in the context of the war with the Russian Federation.

"In domestic politics, it is internal unity. At the beginning of the Great War, we had it. The army, society and power, one might say, were a monolith. Even within the political establishment, squabbling disappeared for a time. Today, this is no longer the case," Kuchma said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency, answering the question of what, in his opinion, should be changed in the country's domestic and foreign policies to improve the situation.

He noted that numerous contradictions have begun to appear in society. "Yes, the main thing has not changed: we are still united by hatred of the enemy. But we have less mutual understanding. Unlike alarmists and provocateurs, I am not saying that this is approaching defeat. But this is definitely delaying victory," the second president noted.

In foreign policy, according to Kuchma, "it would be useful for a clear sequence to return."

He noted that last year, "a certain pluralism’ appeared in Ukraine's global communications. ‘I understand why this is happening. Some of our theses should be heard by the collective West, and others by the global South. Some are defenders of fundamental Western values, others are supporters of ‘business as before’ with Russia. Some are decisive ‘hawks,’ others are cautious ‘peacekeepers.’ Yes, we must convey ‘his’ thesis to each addressee. But the problem is that they sound simultaneously. And if you want, you can see inconsistency in them - and many of our partners have such a desire," Kuchma said.

The second president noted that partner countries understand perfectly well why Ukraine is conducting such diverse communications, "but this polyphony gives them the opportunity to pretend to be naive." "Like, how is that possible? If Ukraine is holding summits on the need for peace, how can we talk about supplying it with weapons?" he explained.

At the same time, Kuchma emphasized that he does not want to give recommendations or advice to the current government, but only noted what he considers most important.