Putin vs. Pro-West Ukrainians (Revolt in Kiev Against Reabsorption by Russia, Lenin Statue Toppled)

FrontPage ^ | December 10, 2013 | Arnold Ahlert

[xzins]

The Russian side of the equation is illuminated by Financial Times columnist Gideon Rachman. He explains that the demonstrations are “both a humiliation and a threat to Mr. Putin,” because his “main foreign-policy goal is the construction of a sphere of influence for Russia, covering most of the old Soviet Union” and Ukraine “is meant to be the jewel in the crown.” He further notes that because the highly nationalistic Putin views Russia as a unique civilization, he finds the idea that Ukrainians could be more attracted to Europe “offensive.”

[Edward Teach]

“Putin...finds the idea that Ukrainians could be more attracted to Europe “offensive.”

In that we are in agreement.

[BCW]

This is what they are fighting for!

[meatloaf]

The oligarchs are heavily involved. Some are pro-EU while others are pro-Russia. Someone is paying about $25 each to many of the demonstrators. It isn’t the government.

[1rudeboy]

Putin knows best! Send in the tanks! It’s just a couple hundred thousand protestors.

[1rudeboy]

Someone is paying about $25 each to many of the demonstrators.

Source?

[xzins]

I don’t want the old Soviet reunited.

[Viennacon]

I’d say you’re likely right. Everyone knows the EUSSR and the Ruskies have agitated in the past.

[1rudeboy]

Never mind, I found it. You believe Russian propaganda. (I’ll wager that you rail against MSNBC, too).

[M Kehoe]

Not guilty!

Am I on the right thread...?

5.56mm

[jimbo123]

Someone is paying about $25 each to many of the demonstrators.

George Soros.

[Navy Patriot]

Go ahead Ukrainians, trust Obama, the EU, and the IMF, you too can have Shariah.

[xzins]

Putin is a communist. The Old Soviet must not be reunited.

[1rudeboy]

Absolutely! Why can’t these silly Ukrainians prefer Putin over freedom!

[1rudeboy]

The irony gets a little thick on these threads. Imagine telling your typical Ukrainian protesting against the Russians that “conservatives on FR” have decided that they know what’s best for them, and it is not the EU.

[xzins]

Imagine telling your typical Ukrainian protesting against the Russians that “conservatives on FR” have decided that they know what’s best for them, and it is not the EU.

That has surprised me. The Ukrainian history with Russia has been one of being brutalized, pogromed, and subjugated. I'm sure they want to go back to that. /sarc.

[1rudeboy]

And to add yet another level of irony: allegations by Russian state-owned media are repeated without any sense of objectivity.

What makes it so sad is that it is so predictable--anti-Soviet, er, Russian protesters are paid stooges seeking to provoke a reaction from the benevolent, God-fearing Soviet, er, Ukranian authorities.

Again, it would be funny if it wasn't so Hugo Chavez-esque, and if some FReepers wouldn't fall for it so easily.

[Navy Patriot]

The Old Soviet must not be reunited...

...in the East.

[1rudeboy]

And yet another irony: these protestors topple a Lenin statue, and the FReeper Borscht Brigade says, "Hey wait--let's think about this."