Ukraine’s Leader Flees Palace as Protesters Widen Control

nytimes ^ | FEB. 22, 2014 | By ANDREW HIGGINS and ANDREW E. KRAMER 4:33 AM ET

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

KIEV, Ukraine — An opposition unit took control of the presidential palace outside Kiev on Saturday, as leaders in Parliament said Ukraine’s president, Viktor F. Yanukovych, had fled the capital a day after a deal was reached aimed at ending the country’s spiral of violence.

[Sacajaweau]

Russia won’t invade the Ukraine. That’s ridiculous.

[Thunder90]

All the members of Parliament from the East and Crimea, and from the party of regions, fled.

[hoagy62]

This is a pic off Twitter of one of Yank's toilets, found after the opposition got into his palace....

[FreeReign]

...it looks like a veritable museum showcasing the best in east European automotive technology.

Then it can't be a very large collection. ;)

[hoagy62]

It’s also being reported (although kinda lost in the shuffle) that the chief rabbi of Kiev is telling Jews to flee the country. There is apparently a LOT of anti-Semitism going on and it could get very dangerous for Ukrainian Jews.

[FreeInWV]

“You’ll find many still alive who remember the Warsaw Pact invasion of 1968...”

And you will find many if not all Ukrainians who grew up hearing stories of the atrocities from the Holodomor. Those people have long memories and hold grudges. I wouldn’t F with em!

I used to work with a Czech gentleman. Your description was very accurate.

[FreeReign]

This is the third revolution in about ten years. These people really can't handle independence.

Actually I only count two revolutions. Both against those who want close ties to Putin.

They still think Russia is run by Stalin...and Krueschev...and Gorby...and that it's still a communist country.

Putin runs(interesting term) Russian now. Apparently folks in Ukraine don't want to be "run" Putin and Russia.

I don't see what's wrong with that (lol).

[crosslink]

Ernest

Vlad will not give up control of the pipelines. This is the most important thing to him and his country. I would not rule out any action by him or his interior minister.

Crosslink

[aquila48]

I have to give kudos to the Ukrainians - most people will put up with a lot more crap before they rise up.

[TBall]

When thinking of Ukraine, I always think of farming and it being the breadbasket. I guess the pipelines are more important in today’s world.

[FreeReign]

It’s also being reported (although kinda lost in the shuffle) that the chief rabbi of Kiev is telling Jews to flee the country. There is apparently a LOT of anti-Semitism going on and it could get very dangerous for Ukrainian Jews.

Do you have a direct quote?

It was just two days ago that this was reported...

Yaakov Dov Bleich, who is the chief rabbi of Kiev and Ukraine but splits his time between there and New York City, reacted cautiously. He noted the enormity of clashes between government forces and protesters this week that have left 28 people dead and 287 hospitalized. Protesters say the number is actually much higher. “I think it’s going to be very hard to rebuild trust between people and the president,” Bleich said.

Link

[hoagy62]

See...that makes me think that Vlad will take action as soon as the Olympics are done.

But...remember that the Paralympics are supposed to happen in March in Sochi as well. Do you think he will risk that?

[Blackyce]

“All I’ve been hearing lately IN THE PRESS is a lot of stories about “Bad Russia”.”

I’m sure there’s a good story about Putin’s Russia to be written, just by sheer force of chance, there has to be something he’s doing that’s not corrupt. Why don’t you go write that story for us.

[hoagy62]

Do I have a quote? Sort of.

I do need to walk something back...it was NOT the chief rabbi of Kiev, but another, and he's telling Jews to flee Kiev, not the country. Here's the article:

Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Urges Jews to Flee Kiev After Attack on Students

[AnAmericanAbroad]

Even the younger generation (21 and under) detest the Russians. I work as an English teacher, and I hear it quite a bit. And you’re dead-on about the Holodomor - the Ukrainians haven’t forgotten that one iota.

[Blackyce]

This is a pic off Twitter of one of Yank's toilets, found after the opposition got into his palace....

OMG, I want one!

[crosslink]

Yes, remember that Syria was all about a pipeline that was proposed to run thru its country and put the Ukrainian pipeline at risk. It was not about weapons. That’s why the French were so involved. Everyone wanted that pipeline but Russia.

This puts the main source of domestic revenue at risk to Vlad. He and his ruthless interior minister will not allow that.

[AnAmericanAbroad]

It’s sort of “Banana Republic meets Liberace”.

[hoagy62]

Ya. That makes me wonder just what’s going to happen next.

[Blackyce]

"Even the younger generation (21 and under) detest the Russians. I work as an English teacher, and I hear it quite a bit. And you’re dead-on about the Holodomor - the Ukrainians haven’t forgotten that one iota."

They shouldn't forget, anymore than Poland should forget Katyn. Nothing good comes from Russia extending its influence beyond its borders.