Ukraine Today - An Independent Political Review

Recent reviews and public opinion polls have Tymoshenko leading over Yanukovych in the primary vote. This comes as no surprise. Yanukovych can thank his mate Yushchenko for this monumental strategic stuff-up. Yushchenko and the government administration helped turn Tymoshenko into a Martyr. Yanukovych's term of office has virtually finished, as he has been overshadowed by the events surrounding Tymoshenko's imprisonment. He has no one else to blame for his own demise other then himself and those who he has taken advice from. No one is listening to any positive statements he has to make and he is one step short of being totally isolated from any meaningful negotiations with the west. I sincerely doubt if he can recover from this diplomatic disaster that has been imposed on Ukraine. Tymoshenko's support was on the decline prior to her arrest, as was pointed out by Taras Chornovil in a recent interview published in the Day. She has become more powerful and influ...

Ukraine goes to the polls in October 2012 in what is a make or break election.  The new electoral laws have already come fire and criticism by the European Venice Commission and look set to give the Government a distinct advantage.  The Tymoshenko factor, political persecution has triggered international outrage which could seriously impact on Ukraine's economic and diplomatic standing is the President's downfall.  Already Yanukovych's presidency has been brought into disrepute as he becomes isolated by the international community.  How long can his presidency last as Ukraine's economic future is held in the balance?  It could even have a negative impact in the Euro2012 games. Already European Integration has been placed on ice.  Will sanctions follow?

Ukraine's Ombdusman, Nina Karpachova, whilst making a announced visit to Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine's former Prime-minister who is being held in jail, has re ported that Tymnoshenko is gravely ill and needs urgent medical treatment outside of the jail. The assessment of the Ombudsman is contrary to thr infornation provided by jail officals last week. Tymoshenko has been jailed following a complaint made against her by Vikttor Yushchenko back in 2009. Tymoshenko was found guility of having misused and abused her public office in signing an agreement with Russia to supply Ukraine gas. The allegations against Tymoshenko and other members of teh oppsoiton parties are seen to be potitcaly motivated.  Tymoshenko has appelased agsint her convcition and the appral is scheduled to be heard next month. There are calls for Tyshmeochnko to be released or plavced under hoiuyse arrest pending the outcome of her appeal. Earlier on the authorities claimed that Tymoshenko health was sa...

By: Taras Kuzio Former President Viktor Yushchenko is an important, but underestimated, aspect of the sentencing of opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko to seven years imprisonment and a three-year ban from government work. Our Ukraine honorary chairman Yushchenko’s support for the sentence was in contradiction with the Our Ukraine political party, which condemned it as a return to authoritarianism. Every other opposition political party condemned the sentence. Party of Regions deputy Taras Chornovil said in a recent interview with Radio Svoboda that “Yushchenko was the only well-known public person in Ukraine who supported the sentence.” Yushchenko was the only person who “applauded and said that he supported it and was satisfied with it” In interviews given to the BBC Ukrainian service on Oct. 12 and Der Spiegel on Oct. 18, Yushchenko publicly supported Tymoshenko’s sentence. Speaking on Inter television channel on Oct. 23, Yushchenko stated his opposition to the d...

Foreignnotes - one of the best blogs on what's happening in Ukrainian Politics, (thought provoking and rational insight into the Ukrainian politic) has commentary on three possible scenarios that may follow the conviction of Yulia Tymoshenko originally published by Segodnya’ newspaper , these scenarios are not so fanciful as they might seam. Option One (60%) Do nothing and work behind the scenes to avoid the crisis and hope that the issue will die down and resolve itself in time. Option Two (30%) Apply sanctions and run the risk of causing a economic meltdown the consequences of which are unknown Option Three (10%) Wait for or fuel protests movements and hope for the eventual uprising of the Ukraine people that would spawn another revolution and the overthrow of the government LEvko of Foriegnnotes thinks that the percentage of option one and two are the other way around - Option one 30%, Option two 60% The three options are not exclusive of each other and depending ...

In the analysis of David Marples published by Kyiv Post David Marples leaves out part of the history behind Ukraine's poliical manoverings which all play a part in the events that are unfolding today. Much of it has roots to Yushchenko's failed term of office Marples correctly stated "The presence within this group of Firtash is possiblythe most significant. An ally of former president Viktor Yushchenko, heestablished a position for his company RosUkrEnergo as an intermediary in thebitter gas war between Russia and Ukraine. Firtash offered to buy the gas fromRussia and resell it to Ukraine." Here lies much of the problem Victor Yushchenko, Ukraine's past President,fuelled by resentment and desire for revenge, against Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine's past Prime-minster. Yushchenko,blames Tymoshenko for his political demise and low standing in the polls. Truth is Yushchenko has only himself to blame. Victor Yushchenko persistently attacked and undermined those who ...