What began as a mostly peaceful street protest against the government’s decision not to sign an Association Agreement with the EU back in November 2013 has now spiraled into clashes with riot police and the occupation of government buildings, with several protesters confirmed dead and reports of police firing live ammunition.
Despite the resignation of Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, protests in the country have continued. The opposition refused an offer from President Viktor Yanukovych to participate in government, and demonstrations are now spreading to cities in the East of the country where Mr Yanukovych has traditionally had more support.
During the European Greens’ online debate we covered yesterday, we heard from Rebecca Harms, Co-Chair of the Greens group in the European Parliament, who is visiting Kiev today as part of the European Parliament delegation to the country. She was asked about the protests and how the EU should respond:
The fight of the citizens of Ukraine is [over the fact that] this state doesn’t function for the betterment of its citizens, so they are really fed up here with the corruption and the fact there is not at all the rule of law, and Yanukovich stands for all the failures of the political system. The EU, at the same time, is the symbol for a better life for the citizens…
I think the European Union should not pretend that we are not on one side of the discussion, because the EU here represents the hopes and objectives that the people are fighting for. But, having said this, I’m sure that the best way to come out of all these negative developments, with people dying on the streets, is for everyone to come back to the table. But I think Mr Klitschko and the opposition leaders are right putting the focus on new elections.
But what can the EU actually do to improve the situation in Ukraine? We had a comment sent in from Paula arguing that Ukraine needs support, not just words. She believed that it was time for the EU to implement economic sanctions against Ukraine in order to put pressure on Yanukovych.
Currently, an “overwhelming majority” of EU countries (with the apparent exception of Lithuania) believe it it too early to discuss economic sanctions. But does the European Parliament agree?
Earlier this morning, we spoke to Marek Siwiec, a Polish MEP with the Social Democrats and another member of the EU-Ukraine delegation of the European Parliament. How would he respond to Paula’s suggestion?
I would say to Paula, listen, sanctions are effective only as long as they aren’t implemented. We have a number of cases where if sanctions are in place there is no dialogue and no talks and no positive solution. I think, at this stage, we shouldn’t implement sanctions. There are many reasons for that, but as long as people are still discussing and there is not total violence being used by either side as a solution I think we shouldn’t implement any sanctions at this stage.
On the other side of the debate, we had a comment from Achilles from Greece who argued that the EU should “mind its own business” in Ukraine unless it wants the situation to spiral out of control as in Syria. How would Siwiec respond?
I would say, Achilles, that in every country, including Greece, the conflicts from the street sooner or later will make it into the parliament where they will be discussed peacefully. But this is not the case in Ukraine. Instead of political discussion or dialogue in parliament, we have fighting in the streets, and on the one side you have police, whilst on the other side you have opposition leaders who are members of parliament! I think this shows how weak democracy is in Ukraine. This is one of the issues which should be seriously discussed.
We also had a comment from Karel from Germany, who argued that the protests had been “overhyped” by the media in Europe. Karel argued there is no majority in Ukraine in favour of EU membership, and many people want stronger relations with Russia. What would Siwiec say?
I would say we have a split of about 50-50, but nobody knows exactly what the figures are. I think the majority are for European integration, but it doesn’t matter what is the balance; in a democracy, the majority should respect the opinion of the minority. It doesn’t matter what decision was taken about the Association Agreement, it should have been explained clearly why this happened and what was the reasoning and figures behind the decision. This didn’t happen, and that’s why we have people on the street.
Finally, we had a comment sent in by Jorge, who pointed out that there have also been riots and street protests in Spain this month against austerity. However, he argues that whereas “our media are calling the Ukranians heroes, the [Spanish] protesters are called terrorists”. How is the situation in Ukraine different?
I would say the situation in Ukraine is unlike anything happening in the EU. We have had the central square blockaded for two months and public buildings being occupied. The situation is very serious, it’s very dangerous, and I’m very scared that one stupid gesture from any side could lead to a new Tiananmen Square.
How should the European Union react to the escalating situation in Ukraine? Is it time to discuss economic sanctions? Is the EU the symbol for a better life for the citizens of Ukraine, or should it “mind its own business” and stop interfering? Let us know your thoughts and comments in the form below, and we’ll take them to policy-makers and experts for their reactions.
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The EU should not meddle in the internal affairs of Ukraine. It is a minority of the people that are behind these riots and who are armed. This is also blown out of proportion by Western media. In the end one might think that the EU is even promoting rioting, just like it promotes the rebels in Syria to topple a government they do not like. This is unacceptable, and it is about time the EU gets its act together and stops supporting dissident voices, just because it fits better in the geopolitics of the EU and its obscure handlers.
I agree this seems to be 50-50 at least or worst its a western backed minority, i read the U.S is sending to over $10,000,000. to the protesters through diplomatic means, if that ain’t meddling in other peoples democracy i dont know what is!
ridiculous ! since when economics sanctions hit the oligarchs, the 1% or the people in power in Ukraine ? look at Iran : who was hit by economic sanctions ? the PEOPLE of Iran and surely not the people in power in Iran.
same for Ukraine..distributing economic sanctions is counter productive and is equal to taking hostage all the Ukrainian people to give a show, spinoff that EU is doing something for Ukraine..it’s ridiculous..it’s US mentality to solve conflicts applied to Ukraine..it will go nowhere and you know it well !
in fact what’s at play here is well beyond Pro-EU or Pro-Russia, what’s at stake here, like in many EU countries is the right for a decent life, democracy, stop the massive state of corruption in all levels of governance : that’s what is about #euromaidan, surely not the mini view most mainstream media is doing on the issue of Ukraine.
How about seriously support people that are gighting for their rights? There is no point to pretend that current government is still representing will of the people. So grow a pair and act accordingly.
Hi, Karel! Did you read the response to your comment by Marec Siwiec, a Polish Social Democrat MEP? It’s included in this post!
Now, what should EU do about the Violence in Ukraine ?
first point who is making it : extreme right fascist militia that are present on the ground, militias that are not supported by everyone, but that should be considered like they are : probably separatist, nationalist, fascist that only want to separate both from EU or from Russia, that’s reality on the ground..not what projections of Media spin.
Pay dept of Ukraine and additional 5.000.000.000 EUR for Red Ukrainian Elite pay off!?
another aspects of this questions : if this question is asked for a country not inside EU, why it should not be asked for country INSIDE EU ? hence the question : why EU never expressed himself for the protest, march, actions, international coordinated demonstrations between Portugal, Greece, Spain, Belgium , France, Germany, all countries that have spoken against austerity and where national level power used the police against peaceful citizens, of all ages, all political currents, all way of living, EU never supported them against their states or against imposed austerity measures. so why should EU now mess with Ukraine ?
answer is simple : because it has geopolitical interest and that it care pretty less about our opinion on why it should or not support Ukraine or not, it will do it every time it can do it, without EU citizens approval or state approval, just because the bigger interest outcome the sum of the opinions of EU citizens, want it or not.
No economic, but political and diplomatic sanctions. And, yes, E.U. should block all bank accounts of the Ukraine’s rulers and ruling party’s!
When the government does not listen to the people,
when the police are torturing and marching on peaceful protesters (that started to fight back),
when the RIGHT to protest is seriously endangered,
when activists are being kidnapped from the hospital and killed in the woods..
I think it’s time to do something.
It shouldn’t directly interfere , but it cannot condone these kind of events and that should be made clear to the ukranian government.
Also, doing it just for the chance of the deal coming europe’s way is not the right reason, it should stand for the liberty and hope it declares it is a beacon for.
the EU principally doesnt act, when it is not about money or oil or smth else to make profit. but the media could at least tell the truth about EU cooperation with the extreme right opposition ;)
Eu should use political sanctions immendiately and those would have huge power.
Encourage peaceful dialogue as opposed to aggravating the situation by choosing sides playing tribal wars!
Sanctions might just push Ukraine further into Russia’s waiting arms. I also think Rebecca Harms is wrong about taking sides – the EU should not be seen to interfere too much in Ukraine’s affairs.
The EU should promote dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. If things go worse in the country, then is the time to discuss sanctions.
Imposing sanctions may make EU feel a little better about itself and give the illusion that the “Western Liberal and Civilized World” has done its duty, but practically it will aggravate the situation and it will prove right those who portray the EU and the West as the root of all evil. However, it should act as a mediator and promote dialogue between the two sides and respect whatever outcome.
I think we should be very bloody careful, for a start. I think ultimately Ukraine is going to partition into two countries, one in Russia’s orbit, and one in Europe’s. We should try to help limit the human cost, but we should stay out of the actual uprising/revolution/breakdown that’s happening, the potential consequences of the EU and Russia confronting each other over Ukraine are too serious to even contemplate getting more involved.
EU must give hope to those who want to be part of our project! But be smart in controlling the powerful eastern mafias!!!
They want to be part of ‘our’ project because to them the EU means ‘free money at other countries expense’.
If you have a higher income than I do I would be ready to sign up for a joint household with you. And then ask you for your credit card or bank details.
EU should be more involved in protecting the citizens and ensure that the human rights are respected. It should show pro-activeness at least at a declarative level.
TO BE OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTRY.
I don’t believe there’s anything that the EU can actually do to help the Ukrainian people….there’ll be a lot of discussions which, in turn, will justify some nice fat EU salaries, there’ll be a lot of condemnation of the bad policies and the fact that Yanukovych prefers the perceived protection of Russia rather than the E.U but nothing will actually get done.
If, however, the EU sat down with Yanukovych and Putin and said the equivalent of ‘ how much do you want for Ukraine?’ we might get somewhere, but until Russia is brought into the equation, the EU will simply sit on it’s hands and make empty promises.
This is so peculiar. What is the EU really doing asking such questions? Does anyone know?
First of all lets look at the situation logically. What if the UK government was being attacked by opposing factions on the ground? Would the EU be asking what they should do about the situation? Would they be considering shutting down the bank accounts of Cameron, Osborne and the rest. Even the Queen’s accounts? Or is the supposition this could not happen in the UK? And then that leads to the further question of, why could this not happen in the UK? So the argument then goes to because it is not being funded and organised in the UK but is in the Ukraine.
So, who is funding and organising this uprising? Anyone want to guess? If the EU decides it has a duty to step in here, which side will they choose to be on and why? Do they know who they will be backing and the motives of those they think they want to promote? Is it as someone wrote above, akin to the Syria conflict? And those from outside simply see this unrest as a way to exploit the nation they intend to usurp?
And lastly, though by no means least, if the EU does step in and lets say, takes over the Ukraine, bringing it screaming and sobbing into the European Union, are they not aware that the factions that are creating this horror will then be part of Europe? Will they be able to contain such factions within our borders or will the unrest spread throughout our nation states, bringing possible civil unrest and war to us all?
Those who are at the back of this uprising will not leave behind their desire to rule by force. It will continue unless firmly defeated, as the power of such strident groups grow with the defeat of their enemy.
Mind you, we in the UK could do with some organisers who would rise up against political power of the kind we presently have. As could many of the EU states. Perhaps bringing them in to the fold would be a good for Democracy in the long run?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2547256/Ukraine-prime-minister-offers-resignation-anti-protest-laws-sparked-riots-scrapped.html
In the meantime the provisions to investigate and prosecute those responsible for firing at civilian protesters should proceed quickly and provide justice for the families of the victims whose lives were sacrificed on the streets of Kiev for the sake of a better, freer future.”
“The presence of three senior EU foreign ministers in Kiev mediating directly between the warring factions did a good job and is evidence that a coordinated and pro-active EU foreign policy can deliver results when speaking in unison and backed up by the threat of sanctions. In future we should not be afraid to act more quickly and decisively.”
the eu should mind its own business.
@David Fuzzey
Agreed!
The EU should not wind-up the GREAT BEAR after all Russia wants the Ukraine as does the EU BUT there is no way the EU (in actuality NATO) would intervene militarily, Russia very well might.
I’m afraid Ukraine and its wonderful people must sort out their plight for themselves – the EU should NOT initiate WW3!
No involvement necessary. If they want to focus on Russia then it’s the Ukraine’s choice. We don’t need to beg for a relationship that does not help us anyway.
quem est na UE pago para saber o que fazer. se no sabem demitam-se.
bt go http://genuine121.blogspot.in/ nd click on click here
Qui sme le vent rcolte la tempte (proverbe flamand).
Ask for mr. President to justify his strange authoritarian behavior and to stop misleading the world regarding the protests.Also, ask him for a straight point of view regarding Ukraine`s relation with Russia and why isn`t election considered to be an option? Also, more support for the crowds will do a lot of good, but I guess they are afraid to do this, so it will not be taken as an example in other countries.
Turn our “businessmen” of outstanding intelligence out of the EU for a start.
nothing it isn its bussiness. leave ukraine alone and ukraine must stay away from europe and look towards SERBIA – GREECE – RUSSIA- ORTHODOX BROTHERS
As I see it there are two options………
All the EU bureaucrats get off their butts and head over to Ukraine. Half can put on riot gear and control the crowds and the other half can help put out the fires and start cleaning up the streets
or…
All the EU bureaucrats stay firmly seated in their Brussels restaurants and mutter to each other about how terrible the situation is whilst dribbling champaigne and fois gras down their ties
Whatever the monetarist neoliberal Europe touches, becomes a disaster. You have wake up people’s worst nightmares all over Europe. The neonazi vampires! Abandon the power which either way, no one gave to you.
The Spanish goverment are implementing the same laws as the Ukraine,against
Any one protesting near government building large fines and inprisonment.
Will Ashton be going to Madrid ,thought not the eu are ipacrites
Two state solution. Western Ukraine is clearly a different beast to Eastern Ukraine.
The EU should take on board the points this man makes in his speech made in Australia.
That may really help the Ukraine and expose the reality of their situation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVt3gNMPmLE
If you think, they know exactly what they want YOU ARE WRONG. All they agree on Ukraine is that they want a new goverment and it has NOTHING to do with the EU.
De acordo Cila.
All countries wishing to join the EU must abide by the accession criteria or the Copenhagen criteria, on which the Commission’s opinion on any application for accession is based. These criteria were laid down at the European Council meeting in Copenhagen in 1993 and added to at the European Council meeting in Madrid in 1995. They are as follows:
1. political criteria: stability of the institutions safeguarding democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities;
2. economic criteria: existence of a viable market economy, the ability to respond to the pressure of competition and market forces within the EU;
3. the ability to assume the obligations of a Member State stemming from the law and policies of the EU (or the acquis), which include subscribing to the Union’s political, economic and monetary aims; having created conditions for integration by adapting their administrative structures.
These new members must be well prepared for their new status as Member States. The EU’s integration capacity also requires enlargement to be supported by public opinion both in the Member States and the applicant states.
I know for sure that the “maidan” people have noo ideea what EU really represents… especially with Ukraine’s balance.
All is about gas and oil, maybe the first step is to tell the truth. Europe is not worry about violence, or yes if it’s regarding their energetic interest.
If the EU pulls out of Ukraine, it will be of a great help!
Or at least not to send there people like this one:
http://www.jonworth.eu/elmar-brok-ukraine-is-not-your-brothel/
The problem existed long before the currently visible crisis, a longer term solution might be needed. Putting more emphasis on transnational cooperation with Ukraine and Russia, meaningful allocation of resources within the ENPI and other programmes, developing the common border areas.
Once there even was an EGTC (territorial level cooperation of borderlands from different states) that included an Ukrainian area, but it wasn’t succesful, i guess.
So probably there should be positive messages until the next elections, and then the local people can decide their path, in wichever direction.
I think the ukraine is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Its like your damned if you do and your damned if you dont. Its putin style democracy or EU style democracy.
Lets have a look.
Putin style democracy,
Jail whom you dont like , play the power broker, fill your pockets, and democracy, well we wont go there!!
EU style democracy,
Financial ruin for those whom oppose brussels. play the power broker, fill your pockets, and democracy, we wont go there either!!
The people of ukraine need to be free to choose what they want , and jumping from the fire into the fryingpan isnt a solution..
Ruin
1.Sanctions 2. Jail for Ukraine politic that are in Europe 3. Make Volunteer Armed Army and send to help ! EU should have balls if not time and history will show true!
2. Withdraw support from the protesters
It should stop encouraging and aiding the opposition leaders to overthrow the government by means other than democratic elections, simple as that. Also, the EU should recognize that part of the opposition groups behind the violent clashes are neo-nazi in their nature and ideology and treat them as such.
Deluded people…
Firsty intervene before the UN in order to finally i
As I notices, nobody help them. European countries with big resources and strong decision power do nothing. Is the same as in Syria, were nobody is doing something. They just watch children being murdered and innocent people.Instead of asking questions on facebook, european institutions have to do something. Or is good to watch from their offices and payed with citizens money? They are payed to find solutions and act, not to bla bla!
Dear Hypocrites,
first EU should think and act for violent crackdowns in its own countries,and then worry about the situations in countries which has nothing do with,untill now…..
Big states are playing with Ukraine and Syria. EU has own interests and support killers and neo-nazis. That is big problem. EU must work for citizens and stop interfering into internal affairs of idenpedent states.
Sanctions would only push their government towards Russia. Belarus is a perfect example.
when is about helping people, there are no barriers, no countries, just HELPING! Indeed to be human is a quality!
One thing i know for sure is that if in Greece or in any other EU country protests had been so violent, cops would have killed us in big numbers and the EU would applaud naming us as terrorists.
Send EUFOR now, and capture the capital.
Put Ukraine under the EU protectorate for the time being, and organise democratic elections.
What if for a change the EU’s and the USA’s political leaders stopped promoting these “violent opposition groups”. As the leaked phone taps demonstrate, the EU/USA is actively supporting these armed terrorist demonstrators. This is nothing to do with protecting the people, rather all about geopolitical games the EU/USA play against Putin. And just like in Syria, they are “betting” on the wrong parties, while the normal people suffer. Verhofstadt in his verbal attacks is an example of how politicians have no clue what is happening in reality, but act to gain politically, and then afterwards realise silently they got it all wrong. Iraq, Lybia, Syria, Afghanistan, etc. How many more stupidties till you guys realise you have done nothing else but bringing misery.
It’s a very delicate situation so it is very easy to act clumsily. I’ve followed this problem for a long time, of course I was for the pro EU against Ukraine leaders pro Russia and I thought to let people of Ukraine to decide themself the way to take. But now we’ve got dead people. EU must condemn these acts and call for explanation from Ukraine leader to the world. But I don’t think a military movement would be a good idea, I think it will bring more disasters than anything else to Ukraine.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/john-mccain-went-ukraine-stood-202343813.html;_ylt=A0LEVxjAigRTCFkAfQ9XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEzOGxnc3NhBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1ZJUDM0OF8x
The EU has DISGRACED itself, its discusting how they incite violence and the killing of Policemen, 7 Police were shot dead yesterday by “protesters” the EU is DAMAGING its image big time.
We need to rethink Worldwide Economic Policy ..
Culture – Ethics – Information: underestimated critical factors for “competitive ” development
http://economicsandpolicy.blogspot.it/2014/02/culture-ethics-information_10.html
A Europa tambm tem culpas do que se passa na Ucrnia deve haver boas relaes com a Rssia… E uma nao Europeia… E a Europa deve ser um factor de estabilidade…
Europe need, first of all, a regular army. With that Europe could handle situation like that before they became more dangerous, without the american and onu/nato contribute.
sanctions is nessesary to keep situacion stable
delegate with russia and cooperate
Perhaps, Hegel spoke for us when he said that man can never learn anything from history. I think US/NATO are not prone to learn any lessons from history. Because thier history is nothing more than a ?tableau of crimes, follies and misfortunes of thier ancestors.? What they have done so far in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan has left these countries politically and economically unstable, socially fragmented and physically disintegrated. And thier next phase has been started in Ukrine or infact in the EU.
It’s not so easy to suggest something as a salvation receipe. But after the bloody experience of Croatia and Bosnia -Herzegovina , it should be better not to repeat the European mistakes . The best would be to find a political solution
It’s not so easy to suggest something as a salvation receipe. But after the bloody experience of Croatia and Bosnia -Herzegovina , it should be better not to repeat the European mistakes . The best would be to find a political solution
With Germany and a few more countries dependent on Russian gas there is no salvation for Ukraine.
With Germany and a few more countries dependent on Russian gas there is no salvation for Ukraine.
Stop giving money to the fascist, like the red/black flag guys… What about to stop introduce our companies there?? http://www.channel4.com/news/kiev-svoboda-far-right-protests-right-sector-riot-police
It’s a pity that is not in english… http://postsovietico.blogspot.com.es/2013/12/ucrania-de-encrucijadas-y-manipulaciones.html
Sanções Diplomáticas e os comgelamentos das contas bancarias aos poderosos do poder e do seu partido Paz avanços de direitos humanos na Ucrânia
Unfortunately, history once more, is making its circle. It’s like we are almost a century back, when a huge nationalism wave drowned Europe to blood. And then and now, the chargeable event was the greed of the bankers and of the economic elit.
Unfortunately, history once more, is making its circle. It’s like we are almost a century back, when a huge nationalism wave drowned Europe to blood. And then and now, the chargeable event was the greed of the bankers and of the economic elit.
“sanctions against #Ukraine?s political leaders”
If Russia is willing to give aid, then how is that going to fix the problem?
“sanctions against #Ukraine?s political leaders”
If Russia is willing to give aid, then how is that going to fix the problem?
To stay away from Ukraine.
To stay away from Ukraine.
EU should stop supporting the coup in Ukraine. Because that’s what it’s doing.
EU, you are the bad guy, not Russia.
It’s just no way for western leaders such as Merkel to meet with Ukraine opposition leaders while their “peaceful protesters” are occupying government buildings as well as ammunition depots.
Unless they are in fact supporting the coup, so the violence.
Moldova signed exactly the treaty which the legitimate government of Ukraine refused to sign. Refusal which started all this.
Moldova has large Russian and Ukrainian ethnic minorities and polls are showing that political options are divided almost evenly between pro-west and pro-communists. In fact, the Communist party is the largest political party in Moldova.
Nevertheless, you don’t see pro-communists and pro-Russian forces in Moldova rioting, occupying government buildings and storming weapons depots, to protest against the pro-EU government which signed the treaty.
Strange. I mean, Russians and communists are supposed to be that bad guys, right? Still, they exert no violence against the government of their country when it acts against their will.
Ukraine has been governed by pro-west political forces led by Timoshenko and Yushchenko for four years without any violent opposition. The communists and the Russians accepted their rule without violent opposition.
This is the difference between you, EU (and US) and the Russians. You are rogues staging a coup against a government you failed to subdue. The Russians simply had a better offer. Your offer is violence and lawlessness against a government that won’t budge.
But you, WEST, you are used to take, not to give. You expected Ukraine to simply fall into your sphere of influence, for free, to surrender unconditionally, without negotiations, like my country did. When it didn’t, you turned to violence.
I’m sure that if my government (Romanian) decided to leave EU and NATO, you would do exactly the same to my country, defying even the public opinion in the West.
To stay away from Ukraine.
F@ck all the euro politicans
EU must take action, but unfortunately EU cannot do too much there by itself. The EU need NATO/ONU help in this subject. I hardly believe if all of them are pushing together for democratic election the Ukrainian president with give up. P.S> I see so many people ( Bulgarian and Greeks in special who are absolutely against EU…and I`m wondering if they really know how it`s life in a dictatorial country such as Russia…I guess not)
STOP being the lackey of USA… so, STOP supporting nazi rioters…
Send the “Blue Helmets”, to stop this and kill or arrest the Ukrainian President, this needs now a strong response, to stop the violence! ;)
How is it possible that so many people commenting here actually believe that Kyiev can muster over 10 000 “nazi rioters”, women and children as well? And how superficial can one be to just say – oh, in my country the police would have shot me for less than that! First of all, the body count clearly says otherwise – over 20 in a day? Really, where else, but in Ukraine? Second, if you really believe so, then your country’s police force has a problem – this is NOT the normal way to manage and de-escalate demonstrations. It is BECAUSE of such confused discourse and ignorance that the EU cannot actually agree on any reasonable sanctions. Shame! We have lost the one quality that arguably could have made us proud to be Europeans – our humane outlook.
Children?
What are children doing in a place like that, and what kind of parents allow their children to take part in something like that? Certainly unfit parents.
I wouldn’t believe you, but I have seen pictures with children indeed taken by their parents to the Euromaidan. Shame on them.
Just not call that guys ‘pro-democracy’ http://rt.com/op-edge/extremism-danger-for-ukrainian-future-497/
As a resident of Ukraine, loving my country, sorry to say that I’m afraid of our future. Unfortunately, official representatives of EU supported three so called “leaders” of opposition, who are really not leaders of us. They allowed murders and killers ruin our Kiev now. We are under the pressure of their willing to let fascists and extremists to capture the power in our country. We are not happy of our government, but it’s legal! Everything they try to do now is really to keep Ukraine away from war. We would like to protest, but we are normal people. We want civilized negotiations and national referendum, but these events in center of our capital make it impossible now. We would be happy to have the help from EU. If only official representatives hear not only extremists but us, people who work now, try to be tolerant to other opinion, love our Motherland and want to live in prosperous country. We are against that war. While I’m writing this comment, so called “Pravy sector” has broken agreement for peace and captured some governmental buildings and killed some policeman. They’ve got no idea of future. They just realize their own ambitions to make war. I pray for peace in my country and for all civilized decisions on this conflict.
Nothing
Stay the fuck away from Ukraine (& Belarus, Moldova & Turkey for that matter) in terms of EU project ambitions.
In terms of EU further expansion; only consider the Balkans (& even then only Slovenia & Croatia for the significant foreseeable future).
Have a plan for EU territory, aim to “seal it”, then build it properly. Never ending ambitions for expansion, reduce stability and faith in the project. They also make the EU look like over zealous, egotistic clowns.
Confiscating all money of tirans which are placed in EU, from outside and inside too.
Fair enough Iceland; Turkey a bad idea. Too many people in Europe would strongly appose (including myself). I hope you are right; Turkey “quit” their interest in time. But the EU should maintain a strong “relationship” with Turkey, instead of (potential) membership. Same to be said for all border countries of EU.
What should the EU do to stop the violence in Ukraine? I think EU can not do anything in Ukraine except threat or talking
Uma Ucrânia democrática e economicamente estável.
Unfortunately, as I expected, a war is close to break out.
Is the West willing to risk being nuked for Ukraine? I don’t think western people understand what’s at stake for Russia.
The Russians might be willing to use nukes in this matter even at the risk of being destroyed themselves. The West is destroying them anyway, Ukraine coup is just a step. They are probably right expecting regions of Russia to break away following Ukraine. Plans to break Russia proper into several countries are old and well known.
The Russians might decide to go out with a bang, if they have to go out. And take many with them.
Do you want peace in Europe?
Let Russia and Ukraine to join E.U. and N.A.T.O.
Why N.A.T.O. refuses since 1991 the Russia to join in?
Do you want American subordination? Go for the T.T.I.P.
The problem of the E.U. will always be the U.S!
Ukraine should give the people of the east and those closest to Russia the vote,its obious to me that they prefer to be governed by Russia and not Europe,Europe brings Nato, Nato brings more touble and unrest and the Americans,its the Americans that have caused all this unrest, the reason being that Russia has Crimea. its gone forget it and leave the Ukrains to sort things out. America has caused all this trouble and funded the unrest and the killing of inocent people.Go home America and stop this outrage. terence
Read more: http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_01_23/Politics-First-magazine-editor-claims-Kiev-protests-organized-by-EU-and-US-2784/
Ukraine is a sovereign territory, it is only the Ukraine people can stop violence by abandoning the use of violence to solve conflicts. If a country refuses to give up violence, no one can help. More external intervention would only prolong domestic conflict such as in Syria.
When the state cannot prevent itself from breaking up without seeking support from external power, which means its power structure is not stable, which means also the state cannot bind the country together, which means the state does not have sufficient legitimacy. As we have seen the America has been doing more damage than help in whatever war the America has stirred up e.g. the Korean War, Vietnam War, Afghanistan War, Syrian War, Gulf War, etc. Sanction Russia would only fuel the situation. It is better for EU to initiate a peace talk and get rid of NATO and the America. It is a regional issue, an European issue. Only European are representing European interests, not outsider. Finally, Russia belongs to Europe but not the America.