Why Ukraine's Pro-Western Coalition Split (Tymoshenko Allying with Putin)

Time ^ | 09/04/08 | Time

[ken21]

russians are only 17% of the ukraine.

[meandog]

Informed sources in both Moscow and Kiev have told TIME that Tymoshenko has reached a deal with the Kremlin, under which she would be more considerate of Russia's needs — particularly for long-term rights to its Black Sea naval base at Sevastopol — and would tone down her traditional anti-Moscow diatribes, and in return she may find Russia more flexible when it comes to negotiating next year's prices for the natural gas on which Ukraine depends. However, Tymoshenko firmly denies rumors of any accommodation with foreign powers, insisting that she abides only by the interests of Ukraine....

I don't blame her; after all, what assurance does she have that the U.S. can come to her aid when Russia has a man in our WH "that has looked into Putin's soul and saw man I can trust!"...she might, however want to stall a bit until after Nov. 4, because John McCain looked into the same man's eyes and "SAW K-G-B!"

[WalterSkinner]

..I hope Yulia Tymoshenko puts Ukraine’s interests ahead of her own political ambitions—I suspect otherwise—so does Yuschenko...

[lonestar67]

President Bush has acted honorably in regard to Russia.

I disagree with your assessment that we would not support Ukraine. Cheney is there contradicting your precise point.

[wideminded]

Tymoshenko has at least one thing in common with a well known American politician.

[Mariner]

"russians are only 17% of the ukraine"

And, what, 50-60% of the Crimea?

Plus, the 300-year history of Sevastapol as the Black Sea port of the Russian Navy.

Please, don't dismiss the danger of any potential US interference (Cheney) is Ukrainian-Russian affairs.

Russia could EASILY take the Crimea...have people dancing in the streets...and have us with SEVERE credibility problems throughout the world.

IF we tried to resist Russian intervention in a real way, we'd find ourselves in a nuclear war.

[ken21]

that is true.

and the crimea was always a winter vacation spa for the government elite.

[Defiant]

There may be a new synonym for quisling.

[ken21]

she has that viking look!

the vikings used to run their ships down the volga.

[FreeReign]

she has that viking look! the vikings used to run their ships down the volga.

Her look is appeasement.

[FreeReign]

Please, don't dismiss the danger of any potential US interference (Cheney) is Ukrainian-Russian affairs.

The U.S. and Ukraine can deal as they please. Your post suggests that Ukraine and the U.S. should appease Russia.

[ken21]

cheney has softened his tone towards russia lately.

[Tailgunner Joe]

Putin has found another crooked oligarch to get behind. Putin and the gas princess are a perfect match!

[FreeReign]

cheney has softened his tone towards russia lately.

For example, what?

[ken21]

critics claimed that cheney’s remarks would further escalate tensions between russia and the u.s.

the response from the white house concerning cheney’s remarks was to deny that he was making russia an enemy.

[ken21]

also, from today’s wsj the headline:

cheney assures georgia of u.s. support but curbs hawkish tone.

[FreeReign]

also, from today’s wsj the headline: cheney assures georgia of u.s. support but curbs hawkish tone.

Here's the Wall St. Journal headline that I found today.

Sep 5 | WSJ: Cheney Visits Georgia, Slams Russian Actions

Looks like the same Cheney policy to me. How is that Cheney "softening his tone"?

[ken21]

i’m looking at the wsj, p. a 8:

“cheney assures georgia of u.s. support but curbs hawkish tone”,

which supports my original reply to you.

[Mariner]

My post suggest the US should mind it’s own business and pursue only it’s real strategic interests.