[Rocky Mountain Mama]

But isn't Ukraine a sovereign nation after the breakup of the Soviet Union? Why is Russia interfering in their elections in the first place? I mean, I know why, but if Canada didn't elect the guy we wanted, oh well, it is their business, not ours. We don't send tanks to change it.

[struwwelpeter]

Since 1999 Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia have a treaty that is to establish a unified economic zone - and single currency - beginning in 2005. One problem Moscow has is this:

Mr Yushchenko, who advocates joining the EU and Nato, would have little interest in promoting the economic union between Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan that his rival supports.

It probably explains a lot.