Julio Suárez: "The majority of Ukrainians are pro-European"

In the latest edition of 'De cara al mundo', Onda Madrid's radio programme, we interviewed Julio Suárez Rodríguez, manager of Grupo Cortuhondo, a Spanish company based in Kherson, Ukraine. The Spanish businessman analyses the escalation of tension on the border between Russia and Ukraine, and how the Ukrainians hope that a peaceful solution to the conflict will be found. 

What is life like in Ukraine?

Life in Ukraine is very pleasant, very similar to life in Spain, except for the cold, although living in the south of the country in summer temperatures can reach up to 40ºC in this beach area. The Ukrainians are nice and friendly people, the Spaniards think highly of us and appreciate us, maybe because there are many Ukrainian emigrants in Spain and they are all happy and tell their families about it. 

Are you far from the Dombas region, where the fighting is taking place?

About 400 kilometres, actually we are closer to Crimea. 

Of course, in terms of work we have lost a potential market in which the Group was already working, Sevastopol was an important place for sales. Cortuhondo represents Spanish manufacturers in the food sector and we sell the products of these manufacturers through distributors. 

Are you afraid of a possible Russian invasion?

No, in principle there is no fear, but there is a certain caution, although it is hoped that the conflict will not escalate. We have been carrying this escalation of tension in our bodies since 2014, but for the time being the expectation remains that nothing will happen. This is also what our Ukrainian customers and friends are telling us.

Hopefully it won't happen, but if it does, what would you do?

Obviously, if such an invasion takes place, one of the regions affected is where we are, so we would have to rethink things, see how the conflict progresses, whether it allows us to stay or, on the contrary, to move and even develop our business from Spain. 

What does your family say to you?

My family is calm. My wife and children are Ukrainian and for the moment we are calm, there is no latent fear that this could progress.

Have you contacted the Spanish Embassy in Kiev in case you have any problems returning to Spain?

In principle, we are in constant communication with the Embassy, in previous years we have acted as sponsors of the Embassy on the bank holidays, but, for the moment, we are calm and let's say that there are no signs of alarm.

What products are you selling in Ukraine?

A large part of our market is the marketing of hams and cured meats, turron, cava and wines, this would be the bulk of our distribution in the Ukraine. Obviously, olive oil too, Spanish products enjoy enormous prestige here. 

What do your Ukrainian neighbours and friends say to you?

There is a lot of cordiality and an atmosphere of tranquillity, there is no social alarm. 

Are Ukrainians more pro-Russia or, on the contrary, more pro-Europe?

The people we interact with, or most of the people I have contact with, are more pro-European, they have a strong sense of Ukrainian belonging, but there are certain factors that must be taken into account, such as the fact that many Ukrainians have relatives in Russia and obviously do not want conflicts with either Russia or Europe. If they have to choose a model of life, they prefer the European Union.  

Has Ukraine's long-standing membership of the Soviet Union left a more or less pleasant trail?

Of course, people do not forget what happened, but they try to overcome these circumstances. Many Ukrainians with relatives in Russia do not want any kind of conflict with the neighbouring country and hope that the problems will be resolved amicably. All this without renouncing their nationalism and being an independent country, outside the Soviet orbit and, at the same time, having freedom of expression and the decision to be able to be in Europe without anyone driving them around.

On a day-to-day basis, what is the Ukrainian economy like, is there a crisis, are the problems arising from COVID-19 being solved?

Right now, the Ukrainian economy is in crisis; prices have risen sharply as a result of the current situation. There are other economic factors that show the symptoms of this crisis, for example, Ukraine is the world's largest producer of sunflower oil and its price has risen by up to 75%.  On the other hand, salaries here are low and utilities such as water, gas, etc. already exceed the amount of an average pension. 

Has COVID-19 taken its toll in Ukraine?

Of course, obviously people have died, but here there has been greater freedom than in Spain, vaccination campaigns have increased, motivating citizens to get vaccinated by offering to pay a small amount of money in exchange. 

What would you say from Ukraine to your relatives in Spain?

Well, I would like to take this opportunity to say that we are hopeful that a peaceful solution to this conflict will be found and that we will surely be able to continue with our lives in good health