The past few weeks have marked a period of serious turmoil and unrest in the Ukraine, where both government protests and Russian excursions into the area are causing destabilization of the region.
While most of the world spent the past few weeks watching the Winter Olympics in Sochi, many people did not pay attention to or notice the protests in Kiev, Ukraine.
The protests were aimed at now ousted Ukrainian President Viktor F. Yanukovych, whose corrupt practices and government mismanagement have driven the former Soviet Bloc country into a downward economic spiral.
Protests that began weeks ago ended with over 80 dead from violent clashes with Kiev police.
Eventually, the highly publicized violence and destruction wrought from the protests forced President Yanukovych to flee the country and enter Russia where he pleaded for help against the civilian rebellion.
At this time the Ukranian parliament has elected Arseniy P. Yatsenyuk as acting Prime Minister, who had previously served as a speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament and Economic Minister.
Dr. Matthew Costello, a Saint Xavier History and Political Science professor, stated during an interview that Yatsenyuk, “has advocated for association with the EU and opposed acknowledging Russia as a national language,” which Dr. Costello warns can upset Russia, regions of Eastern Ukraine, and the Crimea territory of Ukraine.
Costello does not believe that Yatsenyuk is capable of maintaining a united Ukraine given his political views on where the economically strapped country should turn for financial help.
Under former President Yanukovych, Ukraine was prepared to receive a 15 billion dollar bailout from Moscow, which is now being withheld due to the turmoil within Ukraine.
Costello believes the question now is whether the Ukraine will align itself with the powers of the European Union or Russia to help avoid defaulting on their debts.
This key decision for the Ukraine is not simple and with the Russian invasion of Crimea having just occurred such a decision has grown more tense. The parliament of the Ukraine must now decide whether their ethnically divided people must side with which world powers in order to continue their independence as a nation.
With Russia’s presence in the immediate region and within the country of Ukraine itself, Costello believes that the Russian government will play a large role in the future of the country.
Costello stated that the overall endgame for the Russians is for the entire country of Ukraine to become part of, the “Greater Russia” that Vladimir Putin is seeking.
“Russia has a very fine line to walk–to maintain its position as defender of Russian nationals everywhere, but also to stop short of dismembering Ukraine and watching half the country go to the West.” remarked Costello, who made this statement when speaking on the desired outcome Russia has for the current situation in Ukraine.
With political tensions rising and pressure being put on Russia from the West, only time will tell how this geopolitical conflict will unfold.
President Barack Obama has just this past weekend spoken with Russian leader Vladimir Putin over the phone for 90 minutes and voiced his disapproval over Russian military movements into the country of Ukraine.
As well many countries such as the United States, France, and Britain have threatened to pull out of attending the upcoming Sochi G8 Summit.
While these snubs may be aimed at embarrassing the Russian leader, we still do not know what actions will be taken to further punish Russia for its actions.
Though, most speculation is that the sanctions planned to be handed down to
Russia will be economic in nature.
With the tensions of the Ukrainian people growing everyday it seems it will only be a matter of time until something comes to a head in the affairs of Ukraine.
Jake Alleruzzo
News Contributor