Former president Kravchuk wowed by EURO factor

Leonid Kravchuk, Ukraine's first post-independence president, tells UEFA.com about his hopes and dreams ahead of UEFA EURO 2012, his desire to watch as many games live as possible, and how the competition "can help fight the things undermining the very basis of our independence".

UEFA.com: UEFA EURO 2012 ticket sales have started. Do you think there'll be great interest in Ukraine?

Leonid Kravchuk: I think the fans will be ecstatic when the tournament comes round. Even those who aren't so keen on football will want to go to the games. Ukraine won't host another event of this magnitude in the near future, so for many it's going to be their only chance of witnessing a major finals. It will be a fantastic experience that will leave a lot of memories.

UEFA.com: Will you be there?

Kravchuk: I'll try to watch as many games live at the stadium as possible. I love going to the match and sharing my emotions with other supporters. I forget all my duties, my work and worries and take in the game's atmosphere. I have been to every major European venue and many finals since EURO '96 in England. I followed Ukraine at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and I have to say: If you want to feel the tournament's pulse you have to go to the stadium, otherwise you won't get a sense of what the EURO is all about.

UEFA.com: In April 2007 you were in Cardiff when Ukraine and Poland were named hosts of UEFA EURO 2012. How have your expectations changed since then?

Kravchuk: In Cardiff I said EURO 2012 would bring not only a fantastic football carnival but great changes in many areas of life in Ukraine. Now I'm seeing those changes. I travel a lot throughout Ukraine and often hear how this road has been built for EURO 2012; this bridge too; and this station. It's great that a football tournament is helping us construct and reconstruct roads, hotels, stadiums, airports, hospitals and other infrastructure.

UEFA.com: How important is EURO 2012 for Ukraine's image – making the country known to the rest of the world?

Kravchuk: When I became president [in 1991] I went on an official visit to a European state and the prime minister asked: 'Is Ukraine a big country? There must be around five million people there, right?' When I answered it was closer to 50 million he couldn't believe it. So 20 years ago European political leaders didn't know much about Ukraine, let alone ordinary people. Unfortunately the problem persists. But when Ukraine hosts EURO hundreds of millions will watch on TV, and hundreds of thousands will come here to meet Ukrainians, speak to them, see our beautiful land. I have no doubt the world will discover a new Ukraine in 2012. The tournament's positive impact on Ukraine will be monumental. The main thing, in my opinion, is that Ukraine will make a big step towards Europe, its standard of living and values.

UEFA.com: Many people believe it will be Ukraine's biggest economic and political breakthrough since independence. What do you, the man who signed the declaration of independence, think about that?

Kravchuk: EURO 2012 is a kind of test of Ukraine's independence. The tournament can help us solve a lot of economic, social and political problems as the preparations will cover almost all walks of life. It can help us fight the things undermining the very basis of our independence. We want to become better – and EURO gives us this chance.