The Ukrainian Face of Russia

The "Polish" choice would revitalize the economy, establish political stability, improve relations with the West and neighbors, in particular, with Ukraine and the Baltic states; in this case an agreement would be reached with the IMF; the government would fight corruption, expel leftist ministers Masliukov and Kulik, and attract more foreign investment. Fantastic! Under a "Chinese" scenario, the government would wrest money from the West by threats and lies; it would also worsen relations with Ukraine and the Baltic states, co-opt Mr. Luzhkov, increase control over the regions, and re-deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus; foreign investments would decline... The Congolese way means default, an increased number of Communists and chauvinists in the government, hyperinflation, economic chaos, regional separatism, abuse of human rights, arms sales to Iran and Iraq, etc. A terrible option! And, finally, the "Ukrainian " choice. It means moderate support by IMF, economic stagnation, chaotic changes in the government, lingering political and economic crisis, little investment, mounting inflation, and the regions ignoring Moscow.

The last option resembles very much the current Russian reality, so that even the Moscow media note surprisingly the extent of Russian rapprochement with its neighbor. However, this was caused by President Yeltsin's illness and lack of will power, the August 17 crisis, and the formation of a "pink" government of old-age pensioners. But in Ukraine nobody was ill, there was no August 17, no government reshuffles, and still we were like this! And if we say Russia has assumed Ukrainian features following the past six-month ordeal, what can we say about the Ukrainian situation proper and its assessment by international experts?