What’s this “attempting to change the language to Ukrainian”? The vote was to have one language for official (gov’t) business, which only makes sense. No one is barred from speaking Russian - even Tymoshenko apparently speaks Russian often, when off the record. The languages are even pretty closely related.
The situation is not markedly different than, say, the Philippines, where English is a widespread 2nd or 3rd language, Luzon speaks and writes (mainly) Tagalog, which is the official Filipino language, and the central and southern citizens speak and write (mainly) Visayan day to day, Tagalog when more convenient or necessary, and English as a 3rd language (often in business and commerce.) Complicating matters slightly are dozens of local dialects, but, even so, I’ve never heard of anyone in RP complaining that a 2nd national language is needed or even a good idea.
Now the brawl — yes, that is indicative of the problems Ukraine faces. My guess is that other Reps. considered some of the allegations lies and (under the circumstances) treasonous, and things went downhill from there. In any event, the country has been left in such bad shape that only very tough measures can save it. I suspect that’s why the interim President refers to his stint as a “kamikaze” mission and (to my knowledge - correct me if wrong) is not in contention in the upcoming elections. It would seem he’s willing to be the scrapegoat for unpopular things that must be done. That may or may not make him right — I just don’t see him as this Nazi type that some do.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleksandr_Turchynov
I don't think the Russians care if it's 'official' from a Gov. business perspective or not....that certainly isn't what it means to them as evidenced in their reactions on both occasions.
As for the brawl...it was the Right Sector thugs who came storming down the aisle and pushed this guy .....then it was a free fall after that....But the fact still remains...many Ukrainians are not willing to listen to those who differ in how they view things in Parliment...and/or on the streets, and the Ukrainian groups would prefer not having Russians in the country altogether unless they agree with them. The country's divisions are really quite divided.....
This is a repost by a poster on another thread which does say it well....
"This seems like a war between the left, communism vs. Socialism. Ukraine is fighting against Russian control only to aspire for EU's Socialist-tyrannic membership..... I wonder if it's possible for real conservatism to take root in a continent milked on entitlements, it seems their sense of spectrum is very much truncated .... The only right this continent knows is just slightly right to communism which is Socialism (point of fact - Hitler lead 'National Labor Socialist Party')...... As many can attest, Europe lives and breathe on bureaucratic paperwork. Should the younger generation learn how to wean themselves from depending on entitlements and ever encroaching government, there might be hope for their culture, economy, and future."