Ukraine Today - An Independent Political Review

Russia Today exposes some of the word games and geo political sterotypes

Public support for Ukraine's President, Victor Yushchenko, according to recent public opinion polls published by Kyiv Post has dropped to a low 2.9% in the wake of his attempt to destabilize Ukraine's governing coalition and its economy. His rival Viktor Yanukovich, leader of the opposition, leads the polls with 30% support followed by Yulia Tymoshenko on 19%. Had fresh elections been held in December 2008 Yushchenko's political party Our Ukraine would have fallen below the 3% threshold barrier and lost parliamentary representation Yushchenko's rating is now the lowest support shown for a head of state in the world. His position is untenable and has reached the point where he has become a serious liability not an asset. Yushchenko's term of office expires this year with the expectation that presidential elections will be brought forward rather then wait until December when they are due.

Russia Today reports

Ukraine is embroiled in another round of Gas confrontation with Russia over non payement of gas consumed by Ukraine. In spite the fact that Ukraine's gas supply is subsidised by Russia and is half the cost of Gas supplied to other European countries Ukraine has not paid its bill. Russia's Gazprom has had to once again take the inevitable task of restricting gas supply to Ukraine as a result. This action of last resort has prompted allegations of Russia seeking to punish Ukraine for its political stance. The decision of Russia to phase out energy subsidies has not been made overnight and whilst some are quick to claim it is all about polictics. Russia Today 's Peter Lavelle presents a summary review as the new year dawns. see also Foreign Notes for some further insights into Ukraine's gas wars.