Quote:
Originally Posted by Itse
Yes, Russia has influence over Ukraine, but it's not like they have any interest in violence and instability across their border. Also, this is so NOT the real issue, even though large parts of western media, who generally don't even bother actually send reporters to Ukraine, only care about the EU/Russia thing.
Really the whole political situation in Ukraine is a lot more complicated than "bad Russia wants to keep little old Ukraine down, while good West just wants to play nice".
Pretty much the only thing that's making money in Ukraine right now is the heavy industry in the more russified East Ukraine. Considering that the country is on the brink of a financial collapse, it's really very understandable and to some extent their only option, to do what the people who keep the country going financially want.
Also, Russia has been willing to support the Ukraine in a way that the EU isn't. Of course this doesn't come without a price, but nobody would expect it to. (
They have also been selling farmland to the Chinese.)
However, none of the above is the reason why there's essentially an attempt at a revolution in Ukraine. The EU/Russia thing is just the thing creating sparts, but the powder keg is the (perceived) lack of democracy.
I was in Ukraine last summer, and met with people there, and have been following the development somewhat, although it's not that easy.
The perception of the rioting people is that the Ukrainian government has been trying to do what Hungary and Belarus already did, create a right-wing dictatorship. And they weren't down with that.
So the whole economy/east/west thing is more of a backdrop to what is really a pretty basic fight for human rights. They are demanding independent courts, end to corruption (good look with that, the political opposition is pretty hopeless in that way afaik) and a "more democratic" system in general.
Funnily enough, the "terribly undemocratic" system in Ukraine isn't that different from what it is for example in the US. The biggest party is the winner, regardless of how much of the popular vote they actually get. However, in a multiparty system this has created a situation where the divided opposition feels it has been scammed out of power.
Which is both true (this was deliberate on the part of the ruling party) and false (really the opposition shoot itself in the foot by not being able to unite and play the system like it's designed).
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You are ignoring which outside nation is benefiting most from deterioration of Ukrainian democracy. I'll give you a clue.... it's Russia.
Last year, Ukraine was all set to ratify a EU trade deal worth about $1 billion. The deal was contingent on judicial reform and the freeing of political prisoners. Russia swooped in and offered them a $15 billion bailout to NOT do make those democratic reforms... and also acquired a Black Sea naval port and other interests in the process. Basically, the government decided to sell democracy in order to placate Russia's fear of growing western influence.
The Russia-EU forces, and what they mean for Ukrainian democracy, shouldn't be understated.