jibbajabba01

Do you agree with this summary of the situation written by Equedia?

Ukraine: Sovereign State or Russian Province?

Russia provides approximately a quarter of the natural gas consumed in the European Union(EU); approximately 80% of those exports travel through pipelines across Ukrainian soil prior to arriving in the EU.

This is the primary reason why Russian wants to maintain control over Ukraine.

On numerous occasions, Russia has exerted its power over Ukraine; with it, power over the EU.

Back in 2009, Russia cut off all gas supplies passing through the Ukrainian territory to prove a political point.

But over the last few years, the EU has been aggressively steering Ukraine away from Russian control.

Russia wasn’t pleased.

So over the summer, Russia threatened Ukraine with custom slowdowns at the border, blocked shipments of goods, and even sanitation-related sanctions on chocolates and other major imports.

In less than three months, the oppressor tactics by Russia pushed Ukraine to the brink of financial collapse.

It’s clear that Russia has control over Ukraine’s livelihood. But perhaps with help from the EU, Russia’s control over Ukraine could change.

This week, Ukraine was set to sign a key trade and pre-accession agreement with the EU to strengthen the ties between Kyiv (capital of Ukraine) and Brussels (de facto capital of the EU), while moving away from Russian influence.

EU foreign ministers told Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych that he has to decide if his country would move toward Europe or Russia.

Over the past few weeks, Yanukovych met with Putin several times.

The end result?

Putin wins…again.

Under serious pressure from Russia, Ukrainian leaders have decided to walk away from the EU, putting off talks on the Association Agreement indefinitely.

This was a huge blow to the EU and a big win for Russia. However, that was just the beginning.

Not only did Ukraine announce that it will walk away from negotiations with the EU, but it will now only discuss trade negotiations with the EU if Russia is included in those talks.

Despite being a sovereign state for 20 years, its clear that Ukraine acts more like a Russian province.

Putin has made it very clear to the EU: If you want to talk about trade with Ukraine, you better talk to me first.

Does this kind of thing still seem abstract when you understand it well?

How do you feel about this guy's take on the issue. Spot on?

Exactly what I want to know as well. Add to that, countries are often sending more than one representative (Canada sent 380+ people!). Does Canada talk to Congo directly or do they just speak to everyone at once? How does discussion occur with so many potential voices and what does the back and forth (the nitty gritty) sound like?

Really appreciate you doing the AMA, Diego! :)