Thursday, November 25, 2004

The strategic choice for Russia?

If the map of official votes by region (see map at base of this article) were turned into de facto or de jure spheres of influence, then Russia would get most of what it wants in Ukraine, including the coal fields and the entire coastline.

Several commentators have observed that the Yanukovych campaign - which is controlled by Russia - has relied quite explicity on encouraging division. Seen in conventional political terms this is "irresponsible in the extreme". But if you have no interest in the future of Ukraine as a political entity then it's quite logical (assuming your first best option, total control, doesn't come off).

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