Ukraine will always be a prize because of the extent of it and the port. I would be happy to see it merge with Mother Russia. And I believe it will. I really don’t think Independence has done anything for the people.
I think “We” Americans should send over the best of Obama’s diplomatic corps to help rally the Ukrainians to “Democracy” and if they happen to end up in a ditch bleeding out we will then mourn them and send Putin a sternly worded email.
If you want to best understand Ukraine, think of Chicago politics on a national scale. There’s corruption all over the place, but the people deal with it and make the best of it. And the citizenry are wonderful people. I have visited there twice in recent years and have never had a problem. All they want it is observance of the “rule of law” by everyone.
I don’t think this is a good deal for Ukraine at all. Russia is a dying country. Their demographics are terrible, GDP is forecasted to be near zero and oil revenue is falling. However, Putin offered cash upfront to help Ukraine hold off bankruptcy. The EU was not so forthcoming. But the Ukraine currency, the Hrivina (Greev-na), is not very tradable and integration with the euro would have been a big plus for them. I’m not saying the EU is without their problems, but they do offer more opportunities.
All in all, the Ukrainians are tough people after being conquered numerous times over the centuries. But it would help if the U.S. had a leader that believed in the “rule of law” and provided some pushback on Putin. Sadly, we don’t.
Russia gave help to a fraternal country - this was the most natural thing to do.
The “Euromaidan” movement has the illusions Brussels is wonderful! But in reality, Ukraine would sign over its statehood, its control over its budget and the welfare of its population to another colonial office. And Western aid to upgrade Ukraine’s economy to European standards would come with strings attached!
Ukraine’s opposition imagines the EU is a free gift. They’re rightfully suspicious of what Russian aid will entail but Russia has no desire nor the will to compromise Urainian statehood. On the other hand, in the seeming welcome of the West, Ukraine will get a new master! And any one in Ukraine who thinks association with the EU can be done on the cheap will receive a rude wakeup call.
Its not Russia’s business to decide for the people of Ukraine their future. They have every to make that choice for themselves without outside meddling, coercion or interference. But they should know exactly what they would be getting if they do turn West and it would be hard and Russia has to then protect its economy and markets. In principle, there is nothing against what the EU offers but it should be looked at soberly and objectively.