You’re being sarcastic, correct?
Ukraine is notoriously corrupt.
They learned from the Russians.
Wrote this to a Freeper on another thread as an alternative prism by which to understand the current sentiments present among the population in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian government remains a hot mess, as does its economy. Fringe neo-Nazis continue their attempts to wreak havoc also.
BUT on the ground there is an unprecedented sense of resolve among the sound-minded people (including those of *Russian descent*) who are determined to see that their nation charts a course away from Vladimir Putin’s neo-Soviet, neo-Imperial agenda. Come what may.
For starters, every single statue of Lenin has been torn down. And the action was met with little resistance. (Only the Russian government complained.)
There’s been a spirit of revival of faith in in Christian churches across the denominational spectrum: Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical.
As of last month, Ukraine now celebrates two Christmases as official holidays. Western Christmas and Orthodox Christmas. This is in keeping with Kiev’s identity as the spiritual bridge between the Christianities of East and West, and is now coming to realization gradually.
And 500,000 people gathered in Maidan square last October, not to protest nor to have a gay pride parade (as some Freepers like to quip) — but to worship God. To worship Christ on the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
“They reported over 500,000 across denominational lines from all the churches in Kiev and surrounding areas. Many traveled from all four provinces there just to be a part of that celebration, to thank God for the freedom to worship, to thank God for the freedom to preach the Gospel in their country, and to celebrate God’s faithfulness.”
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/500000-ukrainians-gather-celebrate-reformation-gods-faithfulness/
Ukraine has a loooong way to go, but the spiritual resolve of its Christians should serve as a lesson to us all — especially to the citizens in Russia who time and time again choose the habits of earthly conquest and pragmatic stability, at the expense of a genuine pursuit of freedom. They tout the banner of Orthodoxy all the while refusing to fully part with the corrupt and godless legacies of its Soviet and tsarist past — which Putin is all too reluctant to part with himself.
GOD will bless the nation who turns to Him and take the difficult leap of faith even in the dark. Their rewards may not be immediate, but in the long run, they will be better off. And God has a special heart for weaker powers — as demonstrated in His faithfulness to the Israel of the Bible time and time again, the people through which He brought salvation.
So in the spirit of Ukraine:
Merry Christmas! Not just once (12/25) but TWICE! (1/7)
And may God bless every individual who makes the courageous break with the yoke of human tyranny.