nelson
08-12-2009, 10:37 PM
Ukraine, the largest buffer state between Russia and Europe, just isn't hostile enough toward the West. Kremlin wants a new president, one it can manipulate more easily, and they will likely get it.
Presidential elections in Ukraine are coming up in January. Many of Yushchenko's policies are not popular among Ukrainians, who are scarred by generations of socialist oppression and have never felt in control of their own lives. The Kremlin knows Ukrainian people are conflicted about their current president, uncertain about their independence, and long for improved ties with Moscow, who, it is widely felt, would take better care of them.
But Yushchenko has set Ukraine upon a decidedly pro-western path, seeking alignment with the UN, underscoring independence from Russia, and preventing the motherland from dominance. Travelers from many western nations, for instance, require no visa to enter Ukraine for periods of up to 90 days. Many new policies rub Ukrainians the wrong way; most people in Ukraine speak Russian, but the law says business signs must be in the more cryptic Ukrainian.
Since 1991 Moscow has reformed, but remains relatively unchanged. This is an important political play as they seek to reassert control over the largest of former Soviet territories.
Medvedev: Ukraine's leaders are "anti-Russian"
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1494787.php/Medvedev-Ukraine-s-leaders-are-anti-Russian-1st-Lead
Medvedev's five-minute declaration was released to the media rather than delivered to Ukraine's leaders, the Russian president said, 'So all people in our brotherly nations can understand the situation.'
Medvedev attacks Ukraine leadership
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/533af6fe-866b-11de-9e8e-00144feabdc0.html
“They are saying essentially that Ukraine only has the right to exist as an independent state if it plays by Russia’s rules,” said Mr Karasyov. “Their aim is to change Ukraine’s foreign policy, reversing it 180 degrees to a pro-Russian stance.”
Presidential elections in Ukraine are coming up in January. Many of Yushchenko's policies are not popular among Ukrainians, who are scarred by generations of socialist oppression and have never felt in control of their own lives. The Kremlin knows Ukrainian people are conflicted about their current president, uncertain about their independence, and long for improved ties with Moscow, who, it is widely felt, would take better care of them.
But Yushchenko has set Ukraine upon a decidedly pro-western path, seeking alignment with the UN, underscoring independence from Russia, and preventing the motherland from dominance. Travelers from many western nations, for instance, require no visa to enter Ukraine for periods of up to 90 days. Many new policies rub Ukrainians the wrong way; most people in Ukraine speak Russian, but the law says business signs must be in the more cryptic Ukrainian.
Since 1991 Moscow has reformed, but remains relatively unchanged. This is an important political play as they seek to reassert control over the largest of former Soviet territories.
Medvedev: Ukraine's leaders are "anti-Russian"
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1494787.php/Medvedev-Ukraine-s-leaders-are-anti-Russian-1st-Lead
Medvedev's five-minute declaration was released to the media rather than delivered to Ukraine's leaders, the Russian president said, 'So all people in our brotherly nations can understand the situation.'
Medvedev attacks Ukraine leadership
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/533af6fe-866b-11de-9e8e-00144feabdc0.html
“They are saying essentially that Ukraine only has the right to exist as an independent state if it plays by Russia’s rules,” said Mr Karasyov. “Their aim is to change Ukraine’s foreign policy, reversing it 180 degrees to a pro-Russian stance.”