Paul in Qatar Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 Ukraine was of course a Soviet Socialist Republic. Miraculously, she won her independence in the post-Soviet era without bloodshed. Since the Ukraine has moved more westward, looking toward modern Europe for economic inspiration. Things were generally going swell. But the Russians always have looked at the Ukrainians as their natural little brothers. It bothered the Russians that they were no longer cock o' the walk in Kiev. Using natural gas and loans as payment, the Russian President Putin got the Ukraine President Victor Yanukovych to put the kabosh on a deal that would have furthered Ukraine's tie to the West. Then the shit hit the fan. I have rarely seen such bravery. Crowds in Kiev have been attacked by the police of course. But the difference is the people are fighting back rather effectively. It seems a lot of conscripts took their military helmets with them when the left the service. They have put up barricades that have stopped security armored vehicles. The vehicles were then set alight. Here we see the people using a scoop loader to break through police lines. Earlier this week, the army chief publicly stated he would not allow the military to be used against the people in the street. He has been replaced by the head of the navy. (Ukraine has a navy, go figure.) Yesterday, the government asked Parliament to pass a bill supporting the use of force. Not a single member voted for it. They called for the security forces to be recalled. All of this has happened as the world's media was (sort of) covering the Olympics. Newsmen have rushed to the scene letting the world see the havoc. I would not want to bet on the outcome. But it does make me proud to be human. These people are standing up for themselves. I think it is great.
bojan Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 Very naive view of problems. Could work as Obama PR.
Paul in Qatar Posted February 21, 2014 Author Posted February 21, 2014 (Tied to Obama in one, some sort of record.)
FlyingCanOpener Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 (Ukraine has a navy, go figure.) Uh...
Yama Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 (Ukraine has a navy, go figure.) Uh... Don't they have the longest coastline of the Black Sea?
BP Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 (edited) (Ukraine has a navy, go figure.) Uh... Facts. . . Edited February 21, 2014 by BP
Corinthian Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 (edited) I'm getting tired of the posting style.Methinks I'll go get me a samich.... (psssst... toysoldier, I'm not immune so don't worry, it's not just you) Edited February 21, 2014 by TomasCTT
Paul in Qatar Posted February 21, 2014 Author Posted February 21, 2014 (edited) Reports indicate that a(nother) deal has been signed. Early elections may solve all of this. Stay tuned. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/21/ukraine-agreement-signed-early-election_n_4830727.html BTW, here is a live feed from Ukrainian TV. Nothing much happening, just about sunset now. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/euromajdan/pop-out Edited February 21, 2014 by Paul in Qatar
Paul in Qatar Posted February 21, 2014 Author Posted February 21, 2014 Independence Square before and after. Lots of great images and footage of this bit of history.
Corinthian Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 May I call your attention to this thread? Don't bother pointing that out. Someone wants the spotlight on himself - as usual.
Paul in Qatar Posted February 21, 2014 Author Posted February 21, 2014 I did see that. Thank you very much.
Marcello Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 Since the Ukraine has moved more westward, looking toward modern Europe for economic inspiration. Things were generally going swell. Is this supposed to be a joke?
bojan Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 As I said, naive does not start to describe it.
Corinthian Posted February 22, 2014 Posted February 22, 2014 As I said, naive does not start to describe it. Indeed. It's part of the act really that is to be expected. Camoflauge for later sniping attacks.
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