just in case anyone was feeling sorry for Ukraine's Yanukovych

[dale]

some of what the press found at his dacha in the past few hours

[Kris G.]

Horrible!  Just read that he's been impeached...hopefully with new elections, things will be better but Putin carries a lot of weight.  So many wanted that tie with the EU and not with Russia again.

[Dumpsterkitty]

I live in a community with many Ukrainians. Fastest way to make an enemy there is to ask if they're "like Russians or something". I saw that happen once in a local restaurant...the flames shooting from the owner's eyes was a sight to see.

I cannot believe that there is a single one who would prefer staying under Russia's thumb over joining the EU.

[jeanne]

A man I work with who has family in Ukraine was talking about him.  He said he is a thug.  Had been put in jail for roughing up people.  Looks like he also does that to animals. 

[dale]

I live in a community with many Ukrainians. Fastest way to make an enemy there is to ask if they're "like Russians or something". I saw that happen once in a local restaurant...the flames shooting from the owner's eyes was a sight to see.

I cannot believe that there is a single one who would prefer staying under Russia's thumb over joining the EU.

OH, believe it. There are plenty.
The sense of unity with other Slavic countries, as opposed to the "West," is very strong.

But it's frightening and amazing, what happens to so many people when they get some power.
And not only "over there," and not only political power.
Yikes.
I mean, look at that toilet.

[Tokira]

I have two Ukrainian "Cat Friends" on FB.  This has all been very hard on the people, who, from what these friends say, really want to join the 21st Century, and strongly prefer trade and social alliances with the West.
 
Carol
WV

[Kris G.]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Russia take some military action in the Ukraine, after the Olympics.  It appears that Putin will probably be President for life and his goal is to get Russia back to the powerhouse it once was so losing the Ukraine isn't something he's likely to let happen. From what I've read, Ukrainians have divided loyalties with the eastern half wanting ties with Russia whereas the western population tend to be more pro-EU.  I watched the news last night where, after Yanukovych fled, people went into his compound and were astounded by all the wealth he had.  The toilet was way over the top...that was truly a throne!

[Dumpsterkitty]

I live in a community with many Ukrainians. Fastest way to make an enemy there is to ask if they're "like Russians or something". I saw that happen once in a local restaurant...the flames shooting from the owner's eyes was a sight to see.

I cannot believe that there is a single one who would prefer staying under Russia's thumb over joining the EU.

OH, believe it. There are plenty.
The sense of unity with other Slavic countries, as opposed to the "West," is very strong.

But it's frightening and amazing, what happens to so many people when they get some power.
And not only "over there," and not only political power.
Yikes.
I mean, look at that toilet.

I guess the ones I know here fled the Soviet occupation of Ukraine so their perspective must be different. My husband was part Russian and tried the Slavic connection to make some acquaintances when we moved here...we didn't know a soul...but no dice. A few tolerated us because there's also some Polish blood, but most couldn't overcome him being Russki

[dale]

exactly -- you'd definitely have a hard time finding pro-Russia Ukrainians here...