Comments on: Ukraine Updates

By: Alexei

Alexei — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 16:41:43 +0000

If corruption is a way of life, all the Yuschenkos in the world won’t do away with it. Especially without the support of those areas where most of Ukrainian wealth is created, and that’s the East.

By: TulipGirl

TulipGirl — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 15:30:40 +0000

From his track record, I truly believe Yushchenko is a real reformer. I also recognize the realities of living here, and corruption isn’t simply a “those in power” thing, but filters down to the lowest levels. There is often minor corruption involved just riding the marshrutkas around town. Bribery is neccessary just to get through University, even for excellent students. I’m not so naive to think Yushchenko and Our Ukraine isn’t tainted by corruption–but I do believe that they really want to reform the system, and will actually make great strides to do so.

By: Alexei

Alexei — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 11:41:20 +0000

Assuming that Ukraine doesn’t differ much from Russia in the heyday of oligarchs, I wouldn’t be surprised if the movement against corruption were headed by some of the most corrupt people in the country.

By: Fresh Bilge

Fresh Bilge — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 10:51:21 +0000

Black Currency
The Argus has a Ukraine update that links to many…

By: kb

kb — Fri, 26 Nov 2004 21:57:09 +0000

Would you rather she made it or Kuchma?

She’s had a helluva career. And since she knows where the bodies are buried, who better to deal with the Russians over energy?

By: TulipGirl

TulipGirl — Fri, 26 Nov 2004 20:08:58 +0000

Yulia is passionate, beautiful, and a great political ally. But, she also knows how to work the system. . .

By: Alexei

Alexei — Fri, 26 Nov 2004 18:14:03 +0000

Don’t forget that Ukraine (and Belarus) can very easily become a clog rather than a cog in the Russian energy machine. Pipelines! It’s a two-way street, really.

BTW, they say Yulia Timoshenko made millions stealing Russian gas.