Would eastern and western Ukraine be better off going their separate ways?

[eric82oslo]

I think absolutely Ukraine should be split. Right now, as a state, Ukraine functions even worse than Belgium, and that in itself is quite darn impressive to put it mildly (a country which didn't have a functioning government for 15 months). The Western part is almost entirely inhabited by Ukrainians, while great parts of the east has a sizeable Russian majority. Enough said. Unless they want a political and governing paralysis which could last for decades and which would make the current US political stalemate seem very bland in comparison. There's nothing wrong with regions within a country going their separate ways. Czech Republic and Slovakia managed their separation perfectly. I'd strongly support the independence of Scotland, Catalonia, Flanders/Wallonia & Northern Ireland as well if the local populations of those regions should want to go their separate ways, just like I support full recognition for the nation states of Kosovo and Palestine.