This week in history

Dec. 5 1994: In Budapest the nuclear states, the US, UK, and Russia, sign a memorandum on providing Ukraine with security guarantees.

2004: Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko says in an interview published by The Daily Telegraph that he has moved his family into hiding because he fears for their safety.

Dec. 6: Ukrainian Armed Forces Day

2004: The New York Times publishes an interview with President Leonid Kuchma, who blames both presidential candidates for the ongoing political crisis.

Dec. 7 1934: The Council of People’s Commissars of the USSR adopts a resolution abolishing the ration system for bread, flour, and groats.

2004: US Secretary of State Colin Powell declares that the United States does not intend to extend its influence to Ukraine.

Dec. 8 1991: In Brest, Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine sign a treaty creating the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

2004: The Times, citing a physician at the Rudolfinerhaus, Dr. Nikolai Korpan, says that the Ukrainian presidential candidate was poisoned.

Dec. 9 1918: The Directory reinstates the law of the Ukrainian National Republic on the eight-hour working day, the introduction of collective agreements, and the right to strike.

2004: The National Salvation Committee stresses that pickets at the Cabinet of Ministers and Presidential Administration, as well as the tent city on the Maidan (Independence Square) in Kyiv will continue until the second round of the presidential elections takes place.

Dec. 10 1637: Led by Pavlo But, Cossack and peasant troops fighting against the Polish nobility, are defeated at Borovytsia.

2004: Germany and Poland propose that the European Union offer Ukraine an opportunity to obtain market economy status if fair presidential elections are held.

Dec. 11 1991: The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passes a resolution establishing diplomatic relations with the former republics of the USSR.

2004: The Ukraine TV channel broadcasts a live marathon featuring presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovych and his political supporters.