Battleground: Kiev
Disclosure: Though American by birth, I am an 8+ year resident of Kiev.
Another disclosure: Many here might not like what I have to say, because I stray seriously from what US and EU government sources, including media sources, want you to believe.
Like many, I have often cheered on street protests from afar. It helps confirm that although your friends and neighbors have no desire to stand up for what is right, somebody, somewhere still has what it takes.
But one's outlook on street protests as one great happy party changes when you can open your window and hear the protests, and when several hundred heavily armed riot police gather across the street from the building where you live one evening. That’s when things get real.
As the Talking Heads would say…
This ain’t no party
This ain’t no disco
This ain’t no fooling around
But the tipping point will soon be upon Kiev and Ukraine. According to the Kyiv Post, orders have been given to end the protests and the occupations.
Another disclosure:
I always liked the idea of getting involved in a protest in the hope of creating a better future for myself and my family. But even though I could walk 10 minutes and be at these protests, I have not gone there, not even as a photographer. Sadly, I see this as the wrong protest, at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons. But can half a million Ukrainians be wrong? My guess is yes, but who am I to tell them how to run their country?
Sadly, but not totally unexpected, the US media has terrible coverage of these protests.
So… what exactly are these protests about? The protests broke out when the current government decided that they were not going to sign an association treaty with the EU. Note that this was more of a trade agreement than anything else. In no way did it have anything to do with possible EU membership, or a timetable for such. Association with Europe is quite popular here, much more popular in the west than in the east, but the EU association agreement would have imposed Greek style austerity, plus would have complicated trade with their biggest import and export partner, Russia, leading to higher unemployment.
Today’s news in Kiev, Ukraine. Some of the websites that I go to for information have been down at one time or another today.
The largest opposition political party have had their offices taken over by special security forces.
Berkut (Special Forces) Commander: No plans to forceably take over Independence Square in Kiev. Take that with a grain of salt. Not only is tonight the snowiest and the coldest night since March, (possibly below 5F tonight) but if the government doesn’t act soon, there might not get another chance.
My feeling: If the government wins, Ukraine might be the next Belarus. (Sorry I don’t have the time to explain that). If the opposition wins, meaning those who are currently protesting, Ukraine might become the next Yugoslavia. Meaning Ukraine splits into several different countries, some of which might become part of Russia.
Of course, both the USA and the EU treat Ukraine as some second rate country and believe they have the moral authority to tell Ukraine’s leaders what to do. Though it’s OK if they do it.
Protestors inside Kiev City Hall intend to use water hoses to repel police attempts to retake the building. Though I’m sure that it’s easy enough to shut off water to the whole building, even that that means they need to shut off the water for 100 buildings.
Government workers evacuated from Kiev city center.
Three stations on the Kiev city metro (subway) are reported to be mined. Now who would have access to mines? The government, certainly, though anyone who’s determined enough to obtain them could certainly find a way. Which of the political parties would most likely resort to such means? Svoboda. Svoboda has been described as ultra–nationalist, or anti-gay, or anti-minority, or racist, or fascist, or any or all of the above. And they are a major player in the current protests. Maybe I’m crazy, but any political party that has that much going against them is not to be trusted. And they are a major player in these protests.
Much more from Kyiv Post. And another disclosure. I am not a fan of the Kyiv Post. Too much of their coverage has been cheerleading with very little explanation of the issues behind the protests. News source should remain neutral as much as possible. Opinions should be left to the Op-Ed pages.
http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/euromaidan-rallies-in-ukraine-live-updates-332341.html
Additional note. They Kyiv Post website is current down, and not available. I wouldn’t be surprised it the government had something to do with that. And again, even though I’ve never been a fan of the current Ukraine government, I believe even less in the opposition parties behind the protest.
If I can, I will try to respond to some questions. But that would likely happen tomorrow. Keep in mind that Kiev is 7 time zones ahead of EST and 10 hours ahead of PST.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I maintain the viewpoint that the government was democratically elected and should be left be. Current issues re. the trade ageement are a red herring.
I wish Ukraine and Ukrainian people all the best. I hope they can find their freedom from Russia and enter the EU.
