Reply #54: I don't think Yushchenko will be anyone's puppet . . .

[Paula Sims]

which should prove interesting.

Yes, the "West" did pour in money to support the re-election efforts (Ok, part of me wants to shout "cheater's proof! cheater's proof" but it doesn't have the same impact in Ukrainian), but as my father says "if you're giving me money, I'm taking it!"

I think Yushchenko wants to bring Ukraine into the world as a partner within Europe that has a lot to offer in terms of natural resources, and yes, strategic positioning rather than the "little Russia" that has been been its moniker.

In either case, I hope the days of beheaded journalists are over -- at least in Ukraine.


Paula

P.S. I must admit to shedding a tear or two when hearing the Ukrainian national anthem played during an NPR story.