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Week 5: Ukraine 2014

What do we know about Ukraine? The answer is probably that it is one of the most corrupted countries in the world, where everything can be accomplish for an appropriate amount of cash. So what really happened in Ukraine?  We all know everything started when the Ukrainian government did not sign the core elements of a political association agreement between Ukraine and EU. Some say that the Ukrainian government was controlled by Russia and this is what blocked joining EU.


Funny gif animation presenting this situation in Ukraine available at: <http://imgur.com/NQenoKp>

The president of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin often showed his support for the president Yanukovych. Instead of signing the agreement with EU, Mr. Yanukovych singed a treaty with Russia.


Map available at: < https://cofda.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/map-of-ukraine.gif?w=500&h=320>


Picture presenting president Yanukovych and president Putin shake hand. Available at: <http://www.freepressers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/flipofcoin.jpg >

The Ukrainian government continued acting in their own interest, ignoring needs and problems of Ukrainian people. Ukraine had been mired by years of corruption and lack of economical growth, inflation and lack of proper leadership. Tension rose while civil unrest grew and eventually led to violence. Revolution in Ukraine was necessary. People where very tired of this state. The revolution took place in February 2014. People of Ukraine went on the streets to demonstrate their opposition against the president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych and the corruption of the ruling government.

When the president Yanukovych gave permission to use force against people of Ukraine the real war began. People were fighting against the police throwing everything they could to stop the police. Riots  began! Many people died but they did not stop . Instead they fought with even stronger resistance .


Available at: <http://rt.com/files/news/21/f0/50/00/kuku-1.jpg>

Eventually people of Ukraine won.  Yanukovych left the country and  new government were elected. It could not be as easy as that. Unfortunately, the real problem has just begun.


Available at: <http://www.kyivpost.com/media/images/2013/12/01/p18an76ae0s2211531anv1jr31d784/big.jpg>

Everyone except Russia has recognised the new government. Instead, Russia made a military move against Ukraine breaking all possible agreements.  You probably heard about Russia taking  Crimea, which apparently was taken by force by unknown soldiers? Yes! Russia for a long time did not want to admit that it is their army occupying this part of Ukraine. To make it more ironic Polish TV emitted the transport of military equipment from Russia to Crimea on TVP24. However, the people of Ukraine showed their will to join the European Union. Ukraine's interim Prime Minister Yatsenyuk signed an EU association agreement.


Available at: <http://www.dw.de/image/0,,17512434_303,00.jpg>
What will happen next no one knows. However, this is not the end of the story. I believe that the story has just begun! I hope that it will finish with a happy ending. 

Questions: 

What in your opinion should the new Ukrainian government do? 
Should they defend their territory?
Are diplomacy and support of EU and USA able to stop the aggressor?
Is the war necessary?
I suppose there is no easy way out from this situation. Should Ukrainian people try to get Crimea back? If yes, how would they do it?
What do you think of the actions of the Polish government?




Comments

Unknown said…
I have to say I'm not a follower of the news in such cases. From the way it appears to me it's like the Ukrainian government couldn't handle their country (and people hated that government btw due to their actions) and Russia took that opportunity to take back "their" lands. However, it seems like as in all cases of world politics - none of the things we hear about are even remotely close to truth.
Tomek said…
I'm very surprised that the annexation of Crimea happened now. Whether Russia liked the situation in Ukraine and the overtaking of the government or not, they shouldn't act like they did. Everything now indicates that Crimea will remain a part Russia and no amount of negotiations and sanctions will change that. I don't think anyone wants a war at this point but the issue will steadily escalate.
Saying honestly, I am today already annoyed about this whole situation which takes place in the Ukraine. I don't like communists administration because of lack of efficiency and attitude to the social classes but I don't approving this rebellion which was formed few months ago. In my opinion this kind of situation is absolutely this same as crisis in Libya several years ago. Group of young people has been incite to oppose government to create new “democratic” authorities under the protectorate leading by the United States. Where in North Africa everyone wanted the mostly only the oil fields, but here in Ukraine there is only one think to expanding influences in eastern Europe (maybe I’m wrong, but maybe someone discovered something precious there). For now, from this whole Ukrainian conflict the Russia comes out with “clean hands”, leading by Putin. I observed that, since dozen of days president of Russia cleverly outmaneuvered politically and partly using military forces new Ukrainian government and other countries which are including to NATO – annexation of Crimea and stay this "good guy” on international arena, also ridiculing other nations. Observing this kind of politic I can state that the Russia although is little behind technologically comparing to other countries but Russians catching up this inconvenience by smartness and cunning of the Russian government. However, looking at European Union I see that the all countries are confused and they don't know what to do exactly (they waiting for another movement of Russians or Americans). About Americans, finally we can clearly see “black on white” what they really want in this crisis. I noticed that the American’s government not Russian’s started deploying his military troops near the borders (here in Poland too), on the pretext common trainings and since few weeks they still scaring others by invade of Russia on Middle - Eastern Europe.
In my opinion, from this crisis we probably obtain another “cold war” or shortly local war which probably will be located only in the Ukrainian lands. I don’t think so that any one of the governments in the World would have made a decision to use nuclear missiles, cause it’s firstly military unfavorable (the army cannot enter on contaminated land) and secondly, it’s highly unprofitable because destruction and radioactivity surely will exclude the entire area from using economically. So we shouldn't be worried about big military conflict, cause in XXI century the wars are taking place in the Stock Exchange using the services of brokers etc., but not by commanding large armies on the distant battlefields.
Anonymous said…
In my opinion, Ukraine should fight for their land territory. I think it's illegal attack aimed at the acquisition (at the beginning) of a small part of area. I do not know what the Russians will do later...
So far, the penalties imposed by Europe and the U.S. are not sufficient. I hope that will change and there won't be war. War is the last resort, which was to tragic consequences for the whole world.
Should Ukrainian people try to get Crimea back? Yes! They have to fight for the Crimea. At the beginning diplomatically, if it does not give results they should use force.
Polish government should help Ukraine. Send military and social assistance.
Sylwia said…
To be honest I’m not into fresh news from Ukraine. I was quite involved in the topic at the beginning, but now, let’s say, I got used to situation and it doesn't make so much impact on my everyday life.
Ukraine situation is hard, I can’t see any good way to solve it. I think trying to get Crimea back wouldn't be good for Ukraine. That would mean local war on Ukrainian territory, which causes a lot of losses. I also think other countries wouldn't like to participate in it, so Russian would win it and situation would be even worst for Ukraine.
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said…
Some of you think that Ukraine should fight. Don't you really think that this would put the end to Ukraine. They don't have enough army to stand against Russia. If you were president of Ukraine, and knowing that Russian military is spread across the border... Would you attempt to fight for Crimea? Surely You will lose this war in few day only.

If Russia would invite Ukraine polish economical situation would be really bad. Only now they banned transport of our pork causing damage in millions of pln to our economy. I would not be surprised if price of gas will grow next.

We are not able to win economical war with Russian federation. I hope that EU will be able to help us in resolving this important issue.
Dalvia said…
Ok, this is a tought situation, and I did talk about it with my father, husband and everyone arround me, and I'm tired of it. Still, I'll say again. As my father said, European Union knows what Putin is capable of, and Putin knows what EU is NOT capable of. What do you think, which information is much more in use?
We have to be very careful, or the war break loose. Fortunately, Russia knows it too so lets hope that there will not be any bloodshed. But we try to punish Russia in economical way. Here we have to be carefull as well, or it will come back to us. Still, we did give sanctions to Russia. Their laughing now, but within a year it'll hit them. So let's hope that then whole hell will not break loose......
Kasia Kmieć said…
It's all great words that "Ukrainians should fight for their land, take Crimea back and all" but look at this realistically - in the unassisted clash with Russian troops Ukraine is too weak and such a fight would lead to a massive Ukrainian bloodshed. And apart from big words of friendship and support Ukraine won't get much real help from western countries. The European Union (and the most influential among them - Germany) won't destroy their crucial economical cooperation with Russia just to help one country somewhere in eastern Europe. What leads them is business and they don't want to quit trade with Russia. The United States may act as good uncle and impose tiny (when it comes to importance) sanctions on Russia but they surely don't want the war to outbreak. Nowadays Putin is one of the most influential people in the world, ruling over one of the most powerful countries and he's capable of doing anything. Only several economies can face the Russian power but will such a move pay off? China's government already said that it won't be taking sides in this conflict. The US play very carefully, scaring from the distance. What other power stay on the scene?
Putin is quite sophisticated politician, who get what he wants. Crimea is crucial strategic point on the Black Sea and some small sanctions won't make Russians abandon this prize. The international situation is tense but basing on no strong response from the western countries I'd say that Russia already won.
Kacper K said…
What in your opinion should the new Ukrainian government do?
Should they defend their territory?
How soon and how best to protect the country's borders at present. It is very difficult and delicate because of the fact that lot of countries have got strong weapon. In such a situation the new Ukrainian government should defend and protect their territory. The new government should do the best to make the Ukrainian live in peace. If the relationship with the EU is good for them they should cooperate really close with them to improve the Ukrainian everyday situation.

Are diplomacy and support of EU and USA able to stop the aggressor?
Yes, definitely yes if they really want they can. They have got lots of possibilities not only connected with "real" weapon but also with trade, export-import, financial relationship, etc.


Is the war necessary?
None of the war is necessary. Wars are only connected with money for the special groups of people. Each argument is good if somebody wants a war to be broken out. Looking back into history of the world the war in Europe is unavoidable in a short period of time.On the other hand I think that not now yet. And I also hope that we have quite clever politicians that they can know about possible results so they can do everything to protect the world against any war.

I suppose there is no easy way out from this situation. Should Ukrainian people try to get Crimea back? If yes, how would they do it?
They should concentrate on their own problems. At least now, at the moment. It is a great and important time for them.

What do you think of the actions of the Polish government?
I think they are too aggressive in spoken opinions.But they are also very scared. It must be really difficult decisions.
The whole situation is extremely complicated. The new Ukrainian government is in very difficult situation. All Ukrainians is checking up on new authority. Every activity can trigger next waves of protest. All procedures in UE,USA, NATO etc. lengthen the time to take any action. The greater talkers are the least doers. This adage applies to the West. Russia is the opposite. Decisions are quick and immediately you could see the effects. I think that people need to wait for the presidential election. Until then, the situation shouldn’t change, but everything is possible. I can’t believe that such things are happening in 21st century.
Darkia said…
It's difficult to answear some of that question. Of course we should don't allow any war. We should find peaceful solution. The new goverment should at first place find the best way to stabilite country, find way how to survive. Of course there is question about way of eu and usa suport vs russia. But ukraine should choose, that is the best for them.
Unknown said…
I agree with Kamil the situation is very complicated. New Ukrainian government is the worst situation they can imaginable. Russian policy sometimes shows us what is the unpredictable. For example "specnaz" soldier sends to Krym, they attack Ukraine military objects. Ukraine make a big mistake when they "approve" foreign soldiers on their lands.

What in your opinion should the new Ukrainian government do?
-Now they can do nothing.
Should they defend their territory?
-Yes of course, necessarily
Are diplomacy and support of EU and USA able to stop the aggressor?
-On several levels yes, but not most important (aggression)
Is the war necessary?
-War is too much said, but mini armed conflict, yes!
What do you think of the actions of the Polish government?
-take away the wounded, the sick and the women and children and prepare to war
Unknown said…
In my opinion Ukraine don't have many option to choose from. They fight and lose or they do nothing and hope that the diplomatic action will have positive results. This situation is lose lose situation for everyone. For EU, USA, Ukraine and ofcourse for Russia. Companies producing armor and weapon hoping for the best. In situation like this when everyone feel threatened... They start to arm, buying weapons for protection. Today we will face a massive reinforcement in European countries. Nato and USA will recruit more troops and buy more planes and tanks just to feel safe again. But can we feel safe in todays world, when all it takes to start and finish war at the same time is to send few rackets armed in to nuclear warhead? ... Thats a rhetorical question.
Actually what I believe the fault, like in many, many cases, lies in the “short-sightness” of people. Although I must admit I did not follow the story thoroughly enough, my understanding is that most of the Ukrainian people actually wanted to join back Russia because “it was better” and generally it offered more immediate rewards. In other words, most of the people were not willing to make some sacrifices (meaning, for example, paying higher taxes) seeing it as some king of government scheme to simply steal the money from them. Unfortunately standing to Russia meant hard work for Ukraine, but it would eventually pay off, in my opinion anyway.
It is also true however that the Ukrainian people have a right to be upset, because there has been defraudation in their government, therefore giving them the right to doubt the “people at the top”. Also the EU's problem (again, in my opinion) is, and has been for a long time, the lack of initiative. I think that the EU should be much more active and show their support, not only talk about it. Than much more of the people Ukrainian people would see standing up to Russia as a possibility.

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