I think the difference between comparing the neo-nazis in the Timoshenko movement and David Duke being a republican is easily explained by "influence." Duke has zip, zero, nada, influence on US Republican politics, whereas, Timoshenko finds it necessary to tolerate neo-nazis in her battle for support. What the payoff for that support is remains to be seen.
For me, the jury is still out on Timoshenko. Only because that which I read about her is either from Russian sources (and believe it or not, I take them with a grain of salt on a lot of issues), or Western liberal sources.
Regarding your inference to Jb6, I don't see it the same way you do. There's been a lot of tarring on here of late, and none more despicable than calling a proud veteran a traitor to his country. Serious accusations responded to in kind. I think if one was to clear the air a little bit, most would agree that a free Ukraine and a free Russia is desirable by the majority on here - what that freedom means and how they get to that point is what is under debate.
But neither will get to that point by living in the past. I'm not saying that the Soviet crimes of the past should be forgotten (as alleged by spanalot). Rather, I'm saying they all need to recognize joint complicity in the crimes and move on. Otherwise the same old battles will be continued to be fought in the present day.
Since most on here are Americans and most on here are supportive of the current US Administration, I would think most would agree that continued encouragement of Ukraine's moves to the west (without alienating Russia) would be supported, as well as, the correct policy of not isolating Russia.
Our policy toward Russia will work best if we continue to keep them within the circle instead of pushing them out. There are some in Russia who realize their real future looks west, but right now it appears the nationalists and security services are getting Putin's ear a bit more than the democrats. Unfortunately, some of our moves, left inadequately explained, cause Russians to suspect our motives. Unwarranted in my opinion, but that's just the current reality. But, at the end of the day, Putin and co., do what they think is in the best interests of their own national security, as our President does what he thinks is best. The fact that some of us on here try to explain the Russian mindset in making these decisions in no way should be interpreted as endorsement of said policies in detriment to our own.
I'm interested to see where Tymoshenko lands and how much of Yushchenko's policy's she opposes.