Medvedev vs. Ukraine - this is strong!

[WmGO]

Strong words:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124998360182322207.html#articleTabs%3Dcomments

[BC]

Strong words:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124998360182322207.html#articleTabs%3Dcomments

pre-winter 'normalna', when all puff themselves up to see how the gas bill will get paid.  Each year EU land builds it's stockpiles a little more to weather the storm making it more or less a non issue as far as the west is concerned but putting more stress (and influence) on neighboring nations.

[docetae]

pre-winter 'normalna', when all puff themselves up to see how the gas bill will get paid.  Each year EU land builds it's stockpiles a little more to weather the storm making it more or less a non issue as far as the west is concerned but putting more stress (and influence) on neighboring nations.

Do not forget that Ukraine is selling weapon to Georgia... they just wait for the new president.

[kievstar]

USA, Ukraine, Canada, and Russis sell weapons to Georgia.  A number of parts from Russia are used by Ukraine which are than sold in a finished product.

Ukraine has been paying gas bill as well. 

Russia needs something to complain about.  Right now they should be quiet as Yan is going to win but if they keep opening there mouth people may not vote for him and lean more western.

[WmGO]

pre-winter 'normalna', when all puff themselves up to see how the gas bill will get paid.  Each year EU land builds it's stockpiles a little more to weather the storm making it more or less a non issue as far as the west is concerned but putting more stress (and influence) on neighboring nations.

In terms of micro-reality, I agree.

Then there is the macro-reality that Russian leadership continues
old style bullying tactics and intimidation to try to get their way esp. in
regards to former "republics."

In the case of Ukraine, Russia continues to view Ukraine in a imperial-paternalistic
"we really own them and they should be in subjugation to us" kind of way.

Regardless, I think it would be a big mistake for Ukraine to join or be involved
with NATO. They should steer clear of any military alliances and they will
be much better off if they do instead of being put in the middle of a
Western-NATO vs. Russian competition.

two cents.
 

[ECOCKS]

You hit on something intriguing there Wm.

While I would like for NATO to admit Ukraine and believe that strategically it would be a big boost, it is probably in their best interests to focus more on economic development to stave off Puty's business minions first.

Pursuing stonger ties such as their WTO membershiip and possible closer economic relations with Europe are much better moves for the Ukrainian government now. Even playing on the Russian FDI markets would be easier if they avoid NATO for now. Besides, I don't think military issues are highest on Ukraine's worry list.

In the event of Puty or Little Bear trying anything militarily, they would find out there is a big difference between their gamemanship in Georgia and attempting something similar in Ukraine.

The EU isn't really that interested in whether Russia gains another port on the Black Sea but actions which affect their borders, particularly Poland and Romania, are something they will prove much more sensitive about.