Putin’s expensive victory

The Economist (UK) ^ | Dec. 21, 2013

[1rudeboy]

Under its current government, Ukraine may be a prize not worth winning

ANOTHER victory for Vladimir Putin, another defeat for the West. That is how the outcome of the battle for Ukraine, the country between Russia and the European Union, is being portrayed in Moscow and in many Western capitals.

On December 17th, after a meeting between Mr Putin and Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine’s president, Russia agreed to lend Ukraine $15 billion and to slash the gas price from $400 to $268 per thousand cubic metres, as a reward for Mr Yanukovych’s ditching of an association agreement with the EU. Unsurprisingly, the mix of money and political cover for theft and violence proved more enticing to Mr Yanukovych than the EU offer of the rule of law, free trade, competition and reform.

Yet look closer, and Mr Putin’s victory and Europe’s loss seem less obvious. Probably Mr Yanukovych never intended to sign an agreement with the EU—certainly not without being paid for it. By keeping up the pretence, he was able to bargain with Mr Putin, who has now agreed to provide money without Mr Yanukovych having signed a deal to join his Eurasian customs union.

And neither Mr Yanukovych nor Mr Putin nor EU leaders factored in the response of Ukrainians, who have been pouring into the streets for the past four weeks. Angered by Mr Yanukovych trading the country’s future for his own benefit, they were bolstered when he used violence against students. What started as a modest-sized street action demanding a deal with the EU has turned into a national awakening and vocal rejection of a kleptocratic post-Soviet state.

[Lexinom]

I don't disagree with the purge sentiment. However, I'm pleased with this turn of events as the EU, with its smug socialism and anti-Christian sentiments, epitomizes the West's descent into a lascivious mire of decadence.

Russians are a different breed from the Euroweenies and also quite far from rugged American individualism. They tolerate ambition in the workplace, for example, from westerners but frown strongly on it in other Russians.

Say what you will, but evaluating the Russians, warts and all with all their plethora of problems, to European socialism and to the latest American experience with something similar, I cannot help but see Russians as the less ungodly and more noble. That says much more about us.

[junta]

You got me, but let me ad that the Holomodor is a peasant operation as compared to the Holocaust which is run by professionals who actually do research instead of just sitting around the fire and moan. I have no doubt if it benefitted the dictator Putin that the Russkies would start leaking info as to who benefitted from the slave labor and which western oligarch is bound up with the old USSR.