Peace and Calm in Ukraine

"We want peace and calm in Ukraine. We are interested that on our western borders we have peace and calm in Ukraine. We are today working with the people in power, and after the election we will work with the newly elected structure."
"A civil war has started in Ukraine. [Sanctions against Russia are] unfair and illegal [would not end it]. What does this have to do with us?"
Russian President Vladimir Putin

EPA / ROMAN PILIPEY   A pro-Russian militant crouches near the body of a killed comrade loaded on to a truck after fierce fighting between pro-Russian militants and the Ukrainian army outside of Donetsk, Ukraine, 23 May 2014. 

 

Now that he asked, who will respond? Certainly not those before whom he spoke on Friday, since they mostly represent Kremlin lapdogs. What, most certainly, the 'civil war' in Ukraine owes to Russia and specifically to Vladimir Putin is the simple and singular fact that he conspired to create the situation that he now claims he so heartily deplores. Hypocrisy should surely be his middle name.

"I'm not trying to offend anyone, but I haven't seen such a snobbish attitude in years", he said staging laughter and applause from his audience. Mocking the United States, demanding Ukraine pay Russia the $3.5-billion it feels justified in demanding representing what Moscow insists it is owed by Kyiv for back-invoicing on its energy use, elicited great amusement from his followers. "Where's our money?" he demanded, in his stand-up-comedy shtick.

But he pledged to "respect" the Sunday Ukrainian presidential election outcome. The world has seen how Mr. Putin's respect manifests itself against other countries, from Ukraine to the European Union, Canada to the United States. Mr. Putin complains that Canada had no business in becoming involved in Ukraine's business which is really Russia's business. None of Canada's nosiness appreciated by him; unlike his being able to appreciate Canada's reaction to Russia's aggression in the Arctic.

But Canada did have 500 election observers dispersed throughout the country during the election vote. And Canada, among other international election observers is prepared to verify that determined Ukrainian patriot, soft-spoken and wealthy popular candidate, businessman and politician Petro Poroshenko handily won the presidency. How, now, will Mr. Putin handle that expression of Ukrainian solidarity?

The results are unequivocal, no second ballot, Mr. Poroshenko received between 55% and 57% of the vote.

EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO  Ukrainian businessman and Presidential candidate Petro Poroshenko receives greetings from a supporter as he arrives to vote at a polling station in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 25, 2014.

Mr. Poroshenko, Ukrainian president-elect, states his first order of business to bring a halt to the crisis of violence in his country and opposition to the central authority. In other words, Mr. Putin, call off your dogs. Mr. Poroshenko also insists that Moscow must return Crimea to Ukraine. Their conversations, no doubt held in camera and in confidence, would require that proverbial fly-on-the-wall to be truly appreciated. Mr. Poroshenko is no shrinking violet.

He is also, obviously, a quite excellent diplomat. Speaking his mind, but doing so with courtesy, he speaks of Russia as a 'partner' for Ukraine. While at the same time stating his intention to turn Ukraine in the direction of the European Union. As for the Donbass, he is prepared to offer some level of autonomy and financial powers, along with protection of the Russian language in law.

On other matters he is clear enough: "To people who have taken up arms but are not using them, we are ready to give amnesty," he told a news conference at which he fielded questions in a fluent mix of Ukrainian, Russian and English. "As for those who are killing, they are terrorists and no country in the world conducts negotiations with terrorists."

 How's that for an auspicious start, Vladimir Putin?

EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO    Ukrainian businessman and Presidential candidate Petro Poroshenko 

answers questions of journalists after voting for the presidential elections in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 25, 2014.