With the worsening political crisis in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the crisis must be solved without foreign pressure. Many suspect that Putin's message appeared aimed more at the United States than any other nation. What could be a reaction by the Kremlin that indicates they believe the U.S.A. is behind a campaign to install Ukraine's pro-Western opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko.

---

Could we be returning to a time of 'cold' relations betwen the U.S.A. and Russia over the political crisis in the Ukraine?

Would it be best for the Europeans and the U.S.A. to heed Putin's warning and stay out of the crisis all together?

If this crisis ends with the victor being pro-Western opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko, will Putin' then blame western pressure for the result?

If so what then?

As I remember our own election this year, I do not recall the Russians being critical of the results or getting involved in any disputes following the official election results. Then again we did not have tens of thousands march on Washington, and have threats of civil war.

Should we (USA) stand back and not use any pressure on any of the parties involved in the Ukraine political crisis?

Related ATSNN Discussions:

Ukraine on the brink of Civil War

Ukraine's Yushchenko demands prosecution of 'separatist governors'

Russian Special Forces Invade Kiev in Disguise

[edit on 30-11-2004 by UM_Gazz]

Interesting related report put up moments ago by Bloomberg...



It seems that the E.U. is for now ignoring Putin's warning.

It would be interesting to see Putin's reaction to this news.

[edit on 30-11-2004 by UM_Gazz]

personally i almost wish the anti-bush American's had been more active like the people of Ukraine are....just without the whole civil war aspect

I think Bush should give the same warning to Russia, there's more influence and corruption on the russian side then any other.

I would not be so quick to underestimate the status of Russia as a superpower.

Another cold war would be just as bad for the U.S.A. ... perhaps worse given the number of conflicts the U.S.A. is involved in.. and potential conflicts ahead.. Military spending is now breaking records by the day.

I somehow do not believe these are empty threats or posturing by Putin.

The Ukraine is far more important to Russia than you may think.

Well, this is looking more and more like the Cold War we have come to know and love. Two superpowers using a smaller country as a pawn. One of -if not both- the countries likely had a hand in the election.

It just makes me sick to realize that the cold war is still going.

DE

DeusEx, the cold war never ended.

www.thefinalphase.com

The Ukranians don't want any Western nations meddling with their election. None of the Western world, the EU, the US, Britan, Canada, NATO, what have you that have attempted meddling in this election should consider themselves innocent. Of course Putin will direct his statements towards the US.

Can't blame Putin even if he or other Russians did underhanded political deeds. Just like Ohio (USA) the Ukraine needs to solve its own political problems without western saber rattling.

What is America going to do- send in Karl Rove with some Diebold machines?

Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria next? America can't even take care of Haiti* what makes them think they can settle problems in west, west Russia? Haiti, Cuba, Mexico, NAFTA, 2000 and 2004 vote fraud- America needs to clean up at home before trying to show others what a clean house should look like.

From a conspiracy stand point- Russia could have helped cause the crises. America could have also! To use this as a 'welcome mat.'

* Haiti political crises

I'm kinda dissapointed that the American people have let Bush lose one, possible two elections and still be put into power thru fraudulent means. You'd think that America, the poster-boy for democracy, would react in the same manner as the people of the Ukraine are.

Also, I find just hilarious how Bush is calling for reelections in Ukraine because there was tampering of votes and the like, I wish he felt the same way about both American elections.

P.S. Don't underestimate Russia...

[edit on 1-12-2004 by Kano]

Russia most likely does have a hand in that region.
The US is definetly involved in that region.
The NED has been busy spending money on 'Democracy' programs in the Ukraine.

Here's were the 2003 grants went to: ned.org/grants/

I wish I had access to the 2004 grants.

I'd pay to see that.

I think the stance the Russians are taking shows how little things have changed since the "end of the cold war".

Then again what would we do if the Russians were to get involved in the elections in say Texas?

Gazz

EDIT:

I can't edit my previous post???
I tried to correct a spelling mistake and ended up quoting my past post instead.

Is there a new feature that puts a time limit on how long you have before you can no longer edit your post?

[edit on 1-12-2004 by AceOfBase]

Are we all of a sudden interested in democratic process in another country or the Caspian Oil ?www.rand.org/publications/IP/IP198/

MAD sized nuclear arsenal and conventional power projection capabilities = retention of superpower status. Russia can't invade bolivia and north africa right now, but it can still utterly destroy any opponent and invade its surrounding territory and send forces (but not seize territory) overseas.

While Russia still has the power to destory most life on the planet as they had during the cold war if they entered into another coldwar against the west it would be even harder this time.

Not only do you face the US but also the EU which will become a Super power soon in dealing with the west. So it would be 2 Super powers vs one ex-Super power.

I doubt it will come to this as Russia has already stated it would honor the winner of a second election. The EU also seems to be taking a major role in finding out what happened not just the US so this as legitimacy to these actions in the eyes of most of the world.

[edit on 1-12-2004 by ShadowXIX]

Gazz I see your Texas link and raise you a Mexico!

Mexican elections are chaos. Russia or better yet China decides to 'intervene'- then what?

Would the U.S. chance losing its manufacturing zone (China) because of a snit over Mexican elections?

update on Putin's politics:



I don't know what to say