A lot of Ukrainians aren't happy with their pro-Russian government's decision to abandon efforts to move West and instead embrace the Russians who will never rest until the "president" of the Ukraine is appointed by Moscow:
Across the former Soviet Union, Moscow's increasingly tight embrace is forcing governments that had long sought to maneuver between Russia and the West to choose sides.
And let's not fail to appreciate the sense of humor of Ukraine's leader as he explains his reasoning for choosing Russia over the European Union:
"What kind of agreement is it if they take us and bend us?" Mr. Yanukovych asked in a nationally televised interview Monday. "I, for one, think we shouldn't give in, we should defend our own interests."
Because when you think respect for local interests, you naturally think of Putin as a defender. Bend them, indeed.
Putin doesn't see Ukraine as an independent partner. Putin sees the former Soviet republics that broke free two decades ago as simply temporarily out of reach. The Baltic states are surely relieved they got in NATO while they had the chance.
I may not think much of the European Union, but as an alternative to Russia even that anti-democratic institution is far superior to Russia's embrace. Just look at Belarus to see Ukraine's future further along the path Yanukovych has chosen. Now that's bending.
Will this be the generation of Ukrainians that gives in, refuses to defend Ukraine's interests, and submits to Moscow?
