Make no mistake, the next few years in Ukraine are going to be brutal. Russia plans to hike natural gas prices and cut off financial aid. The former administration stole everything and Ukraine is absolutely broke.
The anti-Putin brigade says all the strife in Eastern Ukraine is orchestrated by Russia but I have my doubts.
Simply put, joining Russia (or leaving Ukraine) would be a good deal for Russian speakers in Eastern Ukraine. Aside from the cultural ties, some of the richest parts of Ukraine are in the East. Russia is wealthier than Ukraine and the economy is stronger.
When you’re looking at economic ruin, freedom is overrated.
Talking about the Ukranian Constitution is nice but every day that separatists hold buildings in Eastern Ukraine is a taste of change. Laws are only valid if you can enforce them and the clock is ticking for Kiev to retake its own country.
This is the story so far:
Negotiations between the Ukraine, Russia, US and EU continue today in Geneva but there are no signs of a deal. National elections are May 25 but that’s more than enough time to carve up the country.
