EU ponders ‘losing Ukraine to Russia’

This will be considered "heresy" by many EU ministers, but why not invite the Russian Federation to join the EU? The discussed "Chunnel" to Alaska would create an enterprise zone spanning the Northern Hemisphere, would be good for Russia, the current EU, and the goal of Globalization, PLUS it would give new WTO Member, Russia and it's Leader for the foreseeable future, Vladimir Putin, all the incentive he needs to "lean on" Ukraine AND Belarus to ditch repressive Regimes and "join the Prosperity Party".

Odd? No doubt-but it just might pull everyone's chestnuts out of the fire, not to mention ending a Global Recession.

I am presently in Ukraine and wish to repeat, Europe has gone beyond calling for repeal of old Soviet justice. In specifically calling for the release of one individual with or without the repeal of the old (BAD) legislation they are into "BLATANT INTERFERENCE in Ukrainian INTERNAL matters.

As for the role of Russia vs "Europe," overall with respect to bullying Ukraine, one appears as bad as the other, but in this instance Russia is correctly seen as the moderate vs the European bully.

AS Russia pointed out, legal authorities in both countries agree that the gas sale agreements which in light of changed circumstanes may be bad for Ukraine, are nevertheless "LEGAL" and binding unless/until mutually agreed changes. Of course the wiley Mr Putin is taking full advantage of the situation to press for agreements of benfit to Russia but not to Ukraine.

While I am not a total supporter of President Yanykovich, (he needs to more rigorously go after ALL the corrupt fat cats in Ukraine while repealing old bad legislation) I prefer that any criticism of anyone include fair references as to WHO is actually responsible for whatever is the action in the spotlight.

In the case of Yulia Tymoshenko "exceedind authority", that honour goes to the PREVIOUS President, who though he achieved the office of President largely through her efforts, became jealous of her personal popularity as Prime Minister, which came also from those efforts.

Ergo, Yushchenko, (darling of NATO, USA, and "Europe"), after months of bickering and economic stagnation set out to get her through use of an old Soviet hangover convenient to purging and show trials, irrespective of any justice.

Thus President Yanokovich, though he may personally dispise her, INHERITED, an ONGOING legal proceeding.

Ironically, The "West" while decrying "political interference" is asking him to do just that; interfere in the ongoing proceedings by "releasing" her through presidential action.

That clarion call for the release of one person (privledged) is what constitutes "BLATANT INTERFERENCE in Ukranian INTERNAL matters!

Europe would be more helpful if they diplomatically pointed out that the continued existence of this type of old Soviet legislation, is a serious obstacle to closer ties with other more advanced democracies, and refrained from trumpeting the cause of one person.

In the meantime Ms Tymoshenko is being asked to account for a $405Million invoice for gas delivered to her company. To this point she has not been proven to be in any wrong doing but if she has, this would be cause for civil and/or criminal proceedings ANYWHERE in Europe as well as Ukraine. In this case she ought to put forward a better defence than just screaming "rubbish" and refusing to adhere to court protocols.

Has "Europe" anything to say on THIS matter??

Христос Воскрес ! Воистину Bоскрес !

Blatant defiance by Kyiv's Pexs bad boy and he is getting away with it. The bully of little girls today will keep bullying behind your back becoming a nagging pain there.

I agree that Ukraine has some work to do regarding establishing a strong and fair Nation-state.

I do not believe that trumpeting the cause of one individual and asking for more not less political interference, albeit in reverse, in the justice system is helpful.

"Demanding" the "unconditional release" of ONE Yulia Tymoshenko from incarceration, albeit the old Soviet law she was convicted of violating, is patently unjust, does not address the whole situation.

Europe and North America ought to cease the clarion calls that are just a hypocritical BLATANT interference in Ukraine's internal affairs, and instead quietly point out that a judiciary, independent of the political process is a time proven requirement for closer association with the West.

Although no system is perfect and ideas of justice anywhere, are subjective as Julian Assange, and USA Black citizens can attest, this separation as pioneered in USA by John Marshall more than 200 years ago has withstood the test of time. Europe and USA are correct to trumpet the cause of this judicial independence, but in such ways as are (a) respectful of a Nation finding its way after many years of totalitarianism, and (b) suggest total solutions such as repeal of old legislation, rather than individual favouritism.

Naturally such a repeal would result in the overturning of recent convictions such as this one. President Yanykovich would then be seen as a man of vision, at least in this incident who righted a wrong commited by his predecessor, that great friend of NATO and the "West".

If the "WEST" then puts its criticism on a more constructive all inclusive path, perhaps this Lady of the Street might learn a bit of Parliamentary and Court of Law protocol and get down to mounting a defence to the REAL offences she is alleged to have committed.

To have mis-appropriated $405million, if proven would be a CRIMINAL OFFENCE anywhere in the self righteous "West" as well as anywhere else I can think of. Of course she is presently innocent until PROVEN guilty.

To loudly proclaim "rubbish" at any mention of this matter is NOT an adequate defense, particularly when refusing to honour court protocols, irrespective of ones own personal opinion of that particular court, or the Presiding Judge.

So Charles you are on track to desire a "State of
Law" in Ukraine and elsewhere.