Popular Uprising, Foreign Manipulation and Rising Fascism in Ukraine

[BelgianMadCow]

TRNN can be a breath of fresh air.

Political economist Aleksandr Buzgalin and international law professor John Quigley discuss the internal rivalries for power taking place within Ukraine, and the history of its relations with Russia - February 25, 2014

Transcript at TRNN

A balanced view of a shitty situation. Take note of the Crimea region - in eastern Ukraine, very russian, and I think you'll hear more of it soon. Militias are forming in that part. Also very good to hear that the "base" of the revolution was and is genuine disgust of oligarchic rule. From a russian, no less. The outside influences I have nothing but disgust for.

And, when the day after a government is overthrown, the IMF is called to the "rescue", knowing that they require gas price hikes and pensions and wages to be cut, I can only feel for ordinary Ukrainians.

[dipsydoodle]

1. IMF is called to the "rescue"

The last time the IMF provided loans whatever to them Ukraine broke the agreed terms and conditions which were based on an ability to repay. As a result of that breach the IMF changed their rules so that ANY country which does the same would have all funding terminated.

It does not follow that the IMF will be now prepared to loan anything to Ukraine. If they relented the same terms would be made to apply - mainly higher gas prices to consumers and devaluation of their currency. The Ukraine's choice is simply take it or leave it - there are no other choices.

Nobody wants another Greece but currently they seem to be the most likely candidate. Elections should give them the government they want leaving them poor but happy.

[pampango]

2. "Elections should give them the government they want leaving them poor but happy."

I suspect you are right, dipsydoodle. They need big time financial help and Russia is no longer going to provide it given what has happened.

One hopes they will be happier to be closer to Europe because they will be poorer, at least in the short run.

[dipsydoodle]

3. Some of the protesters interviewed in the square after all had calmed down

made it clear that do they do want ANY current politicians to stand for election in the future - they want a completely fresh start. There may be some impracticalities in that but I do wish them success.

The funds which Russia had intended to use were from their "rainy day fund" . Those funds cannot go just go walkies to a recipient with suspect inability to be repay - they are funds from a reserve set aside for public works programs in Russia which in turn would create employment there.