Ukraine general discussion

[😥]

My analysis for Zelensky's record

The situation in Ukraine now leaves much to be desired. Perhaps my presentation is a bit subjective.

It's been 9 months since Zelensky is the President of Ukraine. The lives of ordinary Ukrainians have not only don't improved but also got worse. In late autumn, the dollar fell, causing a devastating blow to many entrepreneurs, especially farmers. Now Zelensky's team says it is necessary to artificially upgrade the course to promote economic growth.

Utility tariffs have increased throughout Ukraine. Water rose by 20-40% depending on the region, electricity by 10-30%, gas by 5-10%. Pensions and wages have remained the same. Older people in villages with pensions of $ 60-80 simply do not have enough money to pay for utilities. The villages that kept up with Poroshenko's last efforts are now finally falling apart. I am scared when I go through Ukrainian villages. Houses that have been overgrown with shrubs, factories have been torn down. This is a very bad picture. Of course, most villages are still around, but in 10-20 years some will simply disappear from the map of Ukraine.

The first thing Zelensky's team did was privatize almost all state-owned enterprises, including the defense and medical sectors. This is something that I cannot completely agree with, it is the main reason why I do not support Zelensky. It will be privatized Ukr Post, Ukr Railway, Ukr Alcohol, as well as all airports. Absolutely wrong move.

The bill on the legalization of gambling, medical marijuana and prostitution will soon be adopted. It's also something that I don't support.

The Land Market Bill
It will be approved shortly. I am against the land market in general, but if there is no way out there should be another bill. This bill has many flaws, and any amendments created by the opposition aimed at improvement are rejected by the Servant of the People. Agrarians protest under the Verkhovna Rada, write numerous petitions to Zelensky, but he stands on his own. Polls show that 65-75% of Ukrainian citizens are categorically against the land market, while 20-25% support, others are undecided. Unless rigid antitrust measures are taken (very likely), all agricultural land will be divided among several oligarchs, Ukrainians and foreigners, including.

Initially, the Zelensky's team united all the ministries that could. This is how the Ministry of the Environment and Energy was created; Ministry of Culture and Sports, Youth; and my favorite: the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Agriculture. Now they say it is wrong and need to be separated, but it requires a lot of public money.

The process of rapprochement with Russia is now beginning. The main thesis of today: "Peace at any cost." Today after shelling in Donbass, when 1 our soldier was killed and 3 were wounded, the Ukrainian military was ordered not to shoot back.
Some of the words of Zelensky's team and himself:

Education Minister Novosad: "I cannot have a baby because I will not have enough of my $ 1500 salary to support my child" (average salary in Ukraine is $ 300)

MP Bragar (SOTP): "Sell your dog and pay for utilities" (to a retired woman who called the studio for the channel)

Bogutska MP (SOTP): "This old man from the last century did not deserve to retire"

Economy Minister Milovanov: "Economy has slowly decelerated due to warm weather"

"I'm a moron, I don't hide it"

PM Goncharuk: "I am a complete profane in the economy"

President Zelensky: "I express my condolences to the fallen soldier"

"I'm not a sucker, I'm 42 years old"

"What is the difference between Ukrainian or Russian [language]"


Here is an short analysis. Anyone who is interested, ask, I will gladly answer

[PSOL]

What does the political situation look like now in Ukraine; can you give us a rundown on what the major figures and organizations are up too? How is the situation more specifically in the Far Right and Left camps; are the militias still trying to assert themselves into Ukrainian politics?

I’m utterly depressed, but even I should have known, that SOTP would have gutted everything and tore out the foundations of the Ukrainian state. Andriy, expect a lot of crime and destitution from downtrodden domestic migrants from the villages.

[KaiserDave]

Is Yulia Timoshenko still politically relevant at all? (Also your thoughts on her)

Is Zelensky still sufficiently anti-Russia if still an obvious incompetent?

[😥]

What does the political situation look like now in Ukraine; can you give us a rundown on what the major figures and organizations are up too? How is the situation more specifically in the Far Right and Left camps; are the militias still trying to assert themselves into Ukrainian politics?

I’m utterly depressed, but even I should have known, that SOTP would have gutted everything and tore out the foundations of the Ukrainian state. Andriy, expect a lot of crime and destitution from downtrodden domestic migrants from the villages.

As far as political parties are concerned, the far right is almost dead in Ukraine right now. Svoboda (Freedom) is the only far-right political party still known. Svoboda has 2 deputies in the Verkhovna Rada. In fact, this party is not popular or competitive. Other far-right parties are completely unknown and do not take an active part in the political life of the country.

There are basically no left-wing political parties in Ukraine. Communist ideology is forbidden to us, and there are no socialist parties yet. Traditionally economically left parties include the Radical Party and the Fatherland. Regarding Lyashko's activity, after he did not pass to the Parliament, he actively participates in various television programs criticizing Zelensky's activities.

The last presidential election was almost the end of his career for Yulia Tymoshenko. I have no doubt that she will run again in 2024, but she will never become President of Ukraine. Now all her activities are concentrated in Parliament, where she is strenuously fighting to prevent the land market law from being passed. Tymoshenko alone blocked the presidium recently.

Poroshenko works in the Verkhovna Rada in parallel, holding numerous international meetings at various levels. In fact, he continues to represent Ukraine in the international arena.

Militias, if you mean DNR / LNR fighters will establish themselves in Ukrainian politics after Zelensky's team holds elections in Donbass in the autumn. This is now one of their priority goals. I have doubts about the desire of the militias to become part of the Ukrainian political party. In my opinion they are satisfied with everything now.

[😥]

Is Yulia Timoshenko still politically relevant at all? (Also your thoughts on her)

Is Zelensky still sufficiently anti-Russia if still an obvious incompetent?

Tymoshenko still has significant political influence. I think when the Servant of the People will lose support, Fatherland will take a few points. Unfortunately, Yulia Volodymyrivna has almost no chance of becoming President of Ukraine ever. In 2024, she will run for office, but will take 3rd or 4th place in 1 round. Her program is now taking care of almost only one issue - the land market. She will do her best to prevent the land market from happening.

I think Tymoshenko would be a great President. She could put things in order in Ukraine. Her experience and literacy allow me to believe her.

I would not say that Zelensky is clearly anti-Russian. He congratulated Putin on the New Year, which President Poroshenko never did. Zelensky said that when meeting with Putin, he saw a desire for peace in the eyes of the President of Russia. The team of Zelensky (deputies from SOTP) have some people who openly state that Ukraine is not a sovereign state, and Crimea is historically Russian territory. "Peace at any cost" is Zelensky's main thesis; he will make great concessions to Russia for the sake of peace. Although, today after the deployment of troops in the east, the Russian forces seized 4 strongholds

[KaiserDave]

Oh god

I mean it wasn't hard to predict that a comedian with no political experience would be an incompetent moron. But....yikes.

Any chance of Arseniy Yatsenyuk returning to prominence?


Also opinion of these videos


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX2-yBdUSuU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWFjMlDaNkc

[CumbrianLefty]

There are basically no left-wing political parties in Ukraine. Communist ideology is forbidden to us, and there are no socialist parties yet. Traditionally economically left parties include the Radical Party and the Fatherland. Regarding Lyashko's activity, after he did not pass to the Parliament, he actively participates in various television programs criticizing Zelensky's activities

I did not know before now that the Communist Party had been banned following the 2014 "events".

[kelestian]

The Land Market Bill
It will be approved shortly. I am against the land market in general, but if there is no way out there should be another bill. This bill has many flaws, and any amendments created by the opposition aimed at improvement are rejected by the Servant of the People. Agrarians protest under the Verkhovna Rada, write numerous petitions to Zelensky, but he stands on his own. Polls show that 65-75% of Ukrainian citizens are categorically against the land market, while 20-25% support, others are undecided. Unless rigid antitrust measures are taken (very likely), all agricultural land will be divided among several oligarchs, Ukrainians and foreigners, including.

Things are somewhat more complicated with this bill. It is very unpopular with population, but land market is popular between liberals - and government is full of those, and it was one of IMF's demands. So proposed bill was twisted by "Servant of the People" - now it still would prohibit foreign land ownershipping and buying more than 50 000 hectares by one person. First point may angered IMF.





Overall I would say situation hasn't changed much since 2018-2019. Economy is still in bad shape, but not on 2015-2016 level. Party ratings are pretty stable after 2019 parliamentarian election, Zelenskiy is still hugely popular (but ratings of other "Servant of the People" politicians have worsened significantly).  In the end Zelenskiy will lose his popularity, but I'm curious to whom? Vakarchuk and his party isn't very popular outside from western part of country and it seems like Slava himself isn't that much into politics. Poroshenko still is the most unpopular man in the country, but he has core of loyal supporters and some friendly press. Timoshenko and Pro-russian camp are trying to play economic populist cards, but their ceilings are probably pretty low, maybe 20% for Yulia and 30% for former Regionals?

[😥]

Oh god

I mean it wasn't hard to predict that a comedian with no political experience would be an incompetent moron. But....yikes.

Any chance of Arseniy Yatsenyuk returning to prominence?


Also opinion of these videos


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX2-yBdUSuU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWFjMlDaNkc

Chances are that Yatsenyuk will return to big politics are minimal. He is extremely unpopular in Ukraine and no one will vote for him. He really is not the best, but not the worst Prime Minister of Ukraine in history. After his resignation in April 2016, Yatsenyuk disappeared. In all this time I saw him only 1 time before last year's parliamentary elections on one of the unknown TV channels

Personally, I want to see Volodymyr Groysman as Prime Minister. He is an outstanding leader. At first he was the mayor of Vinnytsia, the city where I live. When he only became mayor, the city was in decline, it was one of the poorest and dirtiest cities in Ukraine, with lots of garbage on the streets, spontaneous markets, and abandoned factories and homes. In just 2-3 years he was able to put things in order here. And since 2013, Vinnytsia has been recognized as the most comfortable city in Ukraine for life. He rebuilt the infrastructure, greened the city, and trashed the garbage problem.

When Groysman was Prime Minister, he did everything he could to help the well-being of the people. It has lifted the economy, substantially inflated inflation and raised social payments to the bare minimum. He fought with Poroshenko to lower utility tariffs for people.

I am neutral in these videos. I almost always like political parodies. These are, however, a bit outdated.

[😥]

The Land Market Bill
It will be approved shortly. I am against the land market in general, but if there is no way out there should be another bill. This bill has many flaws, and any amendments created by the opposition aimed at improvement are rejected by the Servant of the People. Agrarians protest under the Verkhovna Rada, write numerous petitions to Zelensky, but he stands on his own. Polls show that 65-75% of Ukrainian citizens are categorically against the land market, while 20-25% support, others are undecided. Unless rigid antitrust measures are taken (very likely), all agricultural land will be divided among several oligarchs, Ukrainians and foreigners, including.

Things are somewhat more complicated with this bill. It is very unpopular with population, but land market is popular between liberals - and government is full of those, and it was one of IMF's demands. So proposed bill was twisted by "Servant of the People" - now it still would prohibit foreign land ownershipping and buying more than 50 000 hectares by one person. First point may angered IMF.





Overall I would say situation hasn't changed much since 2018-2019. Economy is still in bad shape, but not on 2015-2016 level. Party ratings are pretty stable after 2019 parliamentarian election, Zelenskiy is still hugely popular (but ratings of other "Servant of the People" politicians have worsened significantly).  In the end Zelenskiy will lose his popularity, but I'm curious to whom? Vakarchuk and his party isn't very popular outside from western part of country and it seems like Slava himself isn't that much into politics. Poroshenko still is the most unpopular man in the country, but he has core of loyal supporters and some friendly press. Timoshenko and Pro-russian camp are trying to play economic populist cards, but their ceilings are probably pretty low, maybe 20% for Yulia and 30% for former Regionals?

Yes, indeed, the land market bill has some limitations. One person will be able to buy only 10,000 hectares of land and sale to foreigners is forbidden so far. But even if a person takes out a loan and is unable to pay it, the bank seizes the land and sells it at auction, including to foreigners. Recently, several edits have been failed to prevent this. By the way, the Kolomoysky group in "Srevant of the People" in the Verkhovna Rada does not support this bill

For me, too, the mystery of who will support Zelensky's supporters after disappointment in him. Probably, most will go to the Fatherland and the Opposition Platform. But I don't know what to expect.

[KaiserDave]

Oh god

I mean it wasn't hard to predict that a comedian with no political experience would be an incompetent moron. But....yikes.

Any chance of Arseniy Yatsenyuk returning to prominence?


Also opinion of these videos


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX2-yBdUSuU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWFjMlDaNkc

Chances are that Yatsenyuk will return to big politics are minimal. He is extremely unpopular in Ukraine and no one will vote for him. He really is not the best, but not the worst Prime Minister of Ukraine in history. After his resignation in April 2016, Yatsenyuk disappeared. In all this time I saw him only 1 time before last year's parliamentary elections on one of the unknown TV channels

Personally, I want to see Volodymyr Groysman as Prime Minister. He is an outstanding leader. At first he was the mayor of Vinnytsia, the city where I live. When he only became mayor, the city was in decline, it was one of the poorest and dirtiest cities in Ukraine, with lots of garbage on the streets, spontaneous markets, and abandoned factories and homes. In just 2-3 years he was able to put things in order here. And since 2013, Vinnytsia has been recognized as the most comfortable city in Ukraine for life. He rebuilt the infrastructure, greened the city, and trashed the garbage problem.

When Groysman was Prime Minister, he did everything he could to help the well-being of the people. It has lifted the economy, substantially inflated inflation and raised social payments to the bare minimum. He fought with Poroshenko to lower utility tariffs for people.

I am neutral in these videos. I almost always like political parodies. These are, however, a bit outdated.

Is Yatsenyuk in the most pro European school of Ukrainian politics?

[😥]

Oh god

I mean it wasn't hard to predict that a comedian with no political experience would be an incompetent moron. But....yikes.

Any chance of Arseniy Yatsenyuk returning to prominence?


Also opinion of these videos


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX2-yBdUSuU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWFjMlDaNkc

Chances are that Yatsenyuk will return to big politics are minimal. He is extremely unpopular in Ukraine and no one will vote for him. He really is not the best, but not the worst Prime Minister of Ukraine in history. After his resignation in April 2016, Yatsenyuk disappeared. In all this time I saw him only 1 time before last year's parliamentary elections on one of the unknown TV channels

Personally, I want to see Volodymyr Groysman as Prime Minister. He is an outstanding leader. At first he was the mayor of Vinnytsia, the city where I live. When he only became mayor, the city was in decline, it was one of the poorest and dirtiest cities in Ukraine, with lots of garbage on the streets, spontaneous markets, and abandoned factories and homes. In just 2-3 years he was able to put things in order here. And since 2013, Vinnytsia has been recognized as the most comfortable city in Ukraine for life. He rebuilt the infrastructure, greened the city, and trashed the garbage problem.

When Groysman was Prime Minister, he did everything he could to help the well-being of the people. It has lifted the economy, substantially inflated inflation and raised social payments to the bare minimum. He fought with Poroshenko to lower utility tariffs for people.

I am neutral in these videos. I almost always like political parodies. These are, however, a bit outdated.

Is Yatsenyuk in the most pro European school of Ukrainian politics?

Maybe, Poroshenko is more pro-Western, but Yatsenyuk is more pro-EU. Now Poroshenko is the most pro-European politician in Ukraine

Patries, which are represented in Verkhovna Rada and which are not represented in Parliament, but still relatively popular ftom most pro-Eropean to least:

European Solidarity
Voice
Civil Platform
Strenght and Honor
Fatherland
Servant of the People
Svoboda
Radical Party
Opposition Bloc (pro-Russian)
Opposition Platform - For Life (pro-Russian)

[KaiserDave]

Any chance of Poroshenko comeback?

[😥]

Any chance of Poroshenko comeback?

Poroshenko remains the most unpopular politician in Ukraine, as kelestian mentioned. Theoretically, he has a great chance of returning to his old position. If for the next 4 years, there is no reasonable, young alternative to pro-European, liberal conservative Poroshenko, then I think he will go through to the 2nd round in 2024. I am convinced that Zelensky does not keep his promise and will run for re-election in 2024. Therefore, if the two above conditions (there is no alternative to Poroshenko, Zelensky is running for office again), then Poroshenko will defeat Zelensky. West and Center will vote for Poroshenko and East and South for Zelensky

[Vaccinated Russian Bear]

Oh, it was really, really, REALLY subjective view on Ze and Ukraine's economy. If not flat-out lies. Like "wages are the same". What? Real wages rose by 12% during in 2019.
http://www.ukrstat.gov.ua/ official statics (in English as well, but there is a delay in updates).
Gas prices actually went down year-to-year Jan 20 vs Jan 19 etc, though the cost of water indeed rose. Blaming the situation in the villages etc on Ze is beyond ridiculous...


It seems to me that you just don't like the guy, because he's willing to compromise with Putin in order to get peace, while Poroshenko was a disgusting war-monger (as Hillary). You don't like Bernie for the same reason  

[😥]

Oh, it was really, really, REALLY subjective view on Ze and Ukraine's economy. If not flat-out lies. Like "wages are the same". What? Real wages rose by 12% during in 2019.
http://www.ukrstat.gov.ua/ official statics (in English as well, but there is a delay in updates).
Gas prices actually went down year-to-year Jan 20 vs Jan 19 etc, though the cost of water indeed rose. Blaming the situation in the villages etc on Ze is beyond ridiculous...


It seems to me that you just don't like the guy, because he's willing to compromise with Putin in order to get peace, while Poroshenko was a disgusting war-monger (as Hillary). You don't like Bernie for the same reason  

Wages increased by 12 percent in 2019 due to the actions of the Groysman government, since it existed until the end of the summer 2019. The price of gas really dropped from 7.5 UAH / cubic meter to 6 UAH / cubic meter, but they added a payment for gas transportation. So people have to pay as much or a little more money for gas. In addition, even now, if no one lives in the house or apartment, the owners are obliged to pay for the gas delivery.

I do not blame Zelensky for declining villages. I argue that the villages that with Poroshenko hold on last forces, now simply cannot continue this way. Poroshenko did nothing to develop the villages, but Zelensky is not even trying to remedy the situation.
 
"Собственно, а какая разница? Есть села или их нет? Развивается экономика или нет? Создаются новые рабочие места или нет?"
Если Вы понимаете русский, то я скажу: да, мне не нравится Зеленский и его команда. Мне просто больно смотреть, когда мою страну намеренно уничтожают и отдают на растерзание другим странам

And, yes, I criticize Zelensky for agreeing to "peace at all costs." This, in fact, is the surrender of the Ukrainian territories of Russia forever

[KaiserDave]

Russia has seized sovereign Ukraine, no more should be ceded for some temporary, abstract "peace."

[kelestian]

Any chance of Poroshenko comeback?

Poroshenko remains the most unpopular politician in Ukraine, as kelestian mentioned. Theoretically, he has a great chance of returning to his old position. If for the next 4 years, there is no reasonable, young alternative to pro-European, liberal conservative Poroshenko, then I think he will go through to the 2nd round in 2024. I am convinced that Zelensky does not keep his promise and will run for re-election in 2024. Therefore, if the two above conditions (there is no alternative to Poroshenko, Zelensky is running for office again), then Poroshenko will defeat Zelensky. West and Center will vote for Poroshenko and East and South for Zelensky

I can see Zelensky not running for reelection in 2024. His ratings at that time probably would be not greater than Poroshenko's last year, so he would understand imminent defeat. In fact, Poroshenko should have not ran himself in 2019, he had no path to victory.

As to Poroshenko's perspective in 2024, he wouldn't win. BUT if he can defeat his enormous ego, he should support someone fresh from his camp. Like, Irina Gerashenko

[😥]

Denys Shmygal just confirmed as new Prime Minister of Ukraine. 291 deputies voted for him (SOTP, "For the Future", "Trust" and 14 independents)

[😥]

Yesterday I watched "The Right to Power" where the new Prime Minister Shmygal and two members of his Cabinet (Health Minister Ilya Yemets and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba) made their first appearance. A little analysis:

After hearing Shmygal's public address for the first time, I was pleased because he seemed smarter than Goncharuk. It is a pity that it was not long.

Yesterday on the air of the TV channel "1 + 1" he incorrectly answered the Gerasimov's question (the basic question concerning Ukrainian parliamentarism), and then showed that he is not guided at all in the rules of international law. He declined to name any figures related to the economy, saying that: "people do not want to hear the numbers, people are tired of them"

Shmygal is a man of Akhmetov. Now there is a struggle for influence between Kolomoysky and Akhmetov. The course of the new Prime Minister has remained the same: privatization and the land market.

He also said yesterday that Ukraine will supply water to Crimea, Zelensky's adviser denied it today. But Shmygal further insists that Ukrainians live in Crimea, so it is necessary to supply water (in fact, for ordinary Crimean residents there is enough water, there is not enough water for Russian invaders to build strategic military facilities)

Also yesterday evening, Verkhovna Rada expressed distrust of Attorney General Ruslan Ryaboshapka. The unofficial reason for this is that he did not sign the suspicion of former President Petro Poroshenko. Under his leadership, the Attorney General's Office has greatly improved its work, and has begun investigating cases that no one has investigated for years. Ryaboshapka began to exercise his independence and refused to persecute political opponents, so he was dismissed

[Omega21]

Yesterday I watched "The Right to Power" where the new Prime Minister Shmygal and two members of his Cabinet (Health Minister Ilya Yemets and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba) made their first appearance. A little analysis:

After hearing Shmygal's public address for the first time, I was pleased because he seemed smarter than Goncharuk. It is a pity that it was not long.

Yesterday on the air of the TV channel "1 + 1" he incorrectly answered the Gerasimov's question (the basic question concerning Ukrainian parliamentarism), and then showed that he is not guided at all in the rules of international law. He declined to name any figures related to the economy, saying that: "people do not want to hear the numbers, people are tired of them"

Shmygal is a man of Akhmetov. Now there is a struggle for influence between Kolomoysky and Akhmetov. The course of the new Prime Minister has remained the same: privatization and the land market.

He also said yesterday that Ukraine will supply water to Crimea, Zelensky's adviser denied it today. But Shmygal further insists that Ukrainians live in Crimea, so it is necessary to supply water (in fact, for ordinary Crimean residents there is enough water, there is not enough water for Russian invaders to build strategic military facilities)

Also yesterday evening, Verkhovna Rada expressed distrust of Attorney General Ruslan Ryaboshapka. The unofficial reason for this is that he did not sign the suspicion of former President Petro Poroshenko. Under his leadership, the Attorney General's Office has greatly improved its work, and has begun investigating cases that no one has investigated for years. Ryaboshapka began to exercise his independence and refused to persecute political opponents, so he was dismissed

Isn't Russia building new infrastructure from the mainland to the province anyway?

Crimea is no longer Ukraine's problem, so I don't see why you should waste your resources on it, especially considering a wealthier country is now in control of the territory.

[😥]

Yesterday I watched "The Right to Power" where the new Prime Minister Shmygal and two members of his Cabinet (Health Minister Ilya Yemets and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba) made their first appearance. A little analysis:

After hearing Shmygal's public address for the first time, I was pleased because he seemed smarter than Goncharuk. It is a pity that it was not long.

Yesterday on the air of the TV channel "1 + 1" he incorrectly answered the Gerasimov's question (the basic question concerning Ukrainian parliamentarism), and then showed that he is not guided at all in the rules of international law. He declined to name any figures related to the economy, saying that: "people do not want to hear the numbers, people are tired of them"

Shmygal is a man of Akhmetov. Now there is a struggle for influence between Kolomoysky and Akhmetov. The course of the new Prime Minister has remained the same: privatization and the land market.

He also said yesterday that Ukraine will supply water to Crimea, Zelensky's adviser denied it today. But Shmygal further insists that Ukrainians live in Crimea, so it is necessary to supply water (in fact, for ordinary Crimean residents there is enough water, there is not enough water for Russian invaders to build strategic military facilities)

Also yesterday evening, Verkhovna Rada expressed distrust of Attorney General Ruslan Ryaboshapka. The unofficial reason for this is that he did not sign the suspicion of former President Petro Poroshenko. Under his leadership, the Attorney General's Office has greatly improved its work, and has begun investigating cases that no one has investigated for years. Ryaboshapka began to exercise his independence and refused to persecute political opponents, so he was dismissed

Isn't Russia building new infrastructure from the mainland to the province anyway?

Crimea is no longer Ukraine's problem, so I don't see why you should waste your resources on it, especially considering a wealthier country is now in control of the territory.

Crimea is Ukrainian territory. And I never recognize Crimea as Russian territory. Today, Shmygal denied his statement and announced that Ukraine would not supply water until the Crimean de-occupation

According to the Geneva Convention, occupiers are responsible for the humanitarian needs in the occupied territories. Therefore, I do not understand why Ukraine should supply water to Crimea, providing Russian military and industrial facilities with resources

I also wouldn't call Russia much wealthier country

[Omega21]

Yesterday I watched "The Right to Power" where the new Prime Minister Shmygal and two members of his Cabinet (Health Minister Ilya Yemets and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba) made their first appearance. A little analysis:

After hearing Shmygal's public address for the first time, I was pleased because he seemed smarter than Goncharuk. It is a pity that it was not long.

Yesterday on the air of the TV channel "1 + 1" he incorrectly answered the Gerasimov's question (the basic question concerning Ukrainian parliamentarism), and then showed that he is not guided at all in the rules of international law. He declined to name any figures related to the economy, saying that: "people do not want to hear the numbers, people are tired of them"

Shmygal is a man of Akhmetov. Now there is a struggle for influence between Kolomoysky and Akhmetov. The course of the new Prime Minister has remained the same: privatization and the land market.

He also said yesterday that Ukraine will supply water to Crimea, Zelensky's adviser denied it today. But Shmygal further insists that Ukrainians live in Crimea, so it is necessary to supply water (in fact, for ordinary Crimean residents there is enough water, there is not enough water for Russian invaders to build strategic military facilities)

Also yesterday evening, Verkhovna Rada expressed distrust of Attorney General Ruslan Ryaboshapka. The unofficial reason for this is that he did not sign the suspicion of former President Petro Poroshenko. Under his leadership, the Attorney General's Office has greatly improved its work, and has begun investigating cases that no one has investigated for years. Ryaboshapka began to exercise his independence and refused to persecute political opponents, so he was dismissed

Isn't Russia building new infrastructure from the mainland to the province anyway?

Crimea is no longer Ukraine's problem, so I don't see why you should waste your resources on it, especially considering a wealthier country is now in control of the territory.

Crimea is Ukrainian territory. And I never recognize Crimea as Russian territory. Today, Shmygal denied his statement and announced that Ukraine would not supply water until the Crimean de-occupation

According to the Geneva Convention, occupiers are responsible for the humanitarian needs in the occupied territories. Therefore, I do not understand why Ukraine should supply water to Crimea, providing Russian military and industrial facilities with resources

I also wouldn't call Russia much wealthier country

I said "is in control of the territory", not "is Russian territory". The first one is just a fact of control, not a legal status.

I mean, it is much wealthier compared to Ukraine... Whatever numbers you look at the average or median salaries are at least 50% higher. Of course, Russia is still pretty poor compared to Western Europe.

I mean realistically it's unlikely it'll come back under Ukrainian control in the foreseeable future, and the stuff you said about humanitarian needs in occupied territories is kinda... overblown, considering most of the people there actually want to be part of Russia and are Russian.

Not that that gives them the right to take control of the territory, I'm just saying.

[😥]

Yesterday I watched "The Right to Power" where the new Prime Minister Shmygal and two members of his Cabinet (Health Minister Ilya Yemets and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba) made their first appearance. A little analysis:

After hearing Shmygal's public address for the first time, I was pleased because he seemed smarter than Goncharuk. It is a pity that it was not long.

Yesterday on the air of the TV channel "1 + 1" he incorrectly answered the Gerasimov's question (the basic question concerning Ukrainian parliamentarism), and then showed that he is not guided at all in the rules of international law. He declined to name any figures related to the economy, saying that: "people do not want to hear the numbers, people are tired of them"

Shmygal is a man of Akhmetov. Now there is a struggle for influence between Kolomoysky and Akhmetov. The course of the new Prime Minister has remained the same: privatization and the land market.

He also said yesterday that Ukraine will supply water to Crimea, Zelensky's adviser denied it today. But Shmygal further insists that Ukrainians live in Crimea, so it is necessary to supply water (in fact, for ordinary Crimean residents there is enough water, there is not enough water for Russian invaders to build strategic military facilities)

Also yesterday evening, Verkhovna Rada expressed distrust of Attorney General Ruslan Ryaboshapka. The unofficial reason for this is that he did not sign the suspicion of former President Petro Poroshenko. Under his leadership, the Attorney General's Office has greatly improved its work, and has begun investigating cases that no one has investigated for years. Ryaboshapka began to exercise his independence and refused to persecute political opponents, so he was dismissed

Isn't Russia building new infrastructure from the mainland to the province anyway?

Crimea is no longer Ukraine's problem, so I don't see why you should waste your resources on it, especially considering a wealthier country is now in control of the territory.

Crimea is Ukrainian territory. And I never recognize Crimea as Russian territory. Today, Shmygal denied his statement and announced that Ukraine would not supply water until the Crimean de-occupation

According to the Geneva Convention, occupiers are responsible for the humanitarian needs in the occupied territories. Therefore, I do not understand why Ukraine should supply water to Crimea, providing Russian military and industrial facilities with resources

I also wouldn't call Russia much wealthier country

I said "is in control of the territory", not "is Russian territory". The first one is just a fact of control, not a legal status.

I mean, it is much wealthier compared to Ukraine... Whatever numbers you look at the average or median salaries are at least 50% higher. Of course, Russia is still pretty poor compared to Western Europe.

I mean realistically it's unlikely it'll come back under Ukrainian control in the foreseeable future, and the stuff you said about humanitarian needs in occupied territories is kinda... overblown, considering most of the people there actually want to be part of Russia and are Russian.

Not that that gives them the right to take control of the territory, I'm just saying.

I do not blame you in any way. I fully understand and acknowledge that Crimea is unlikely to return to Ukrainian control for at least the next 50 years

[Omega21]

I do not blame you in any way. I fully understand and acknowledge that Crimea is unlikely to return to Ukrainian control for at least the next 50 years

Yeah, that's the most likely scenario for the next 50 years or so. I mean in a 100 years who knows, maybe China is the leader of the world or maybe they fail and get relegated on the world stage, no way we can really know...

I did want to ask you about the situation in East Ukraine, as finding objective English news on that is not very easy. I can read a bit of Russian/Ukrainian but it's too much of a strain for me to get through a complex article.

Are there any talks in progress or ceasefires? It's unlikely they'll manage to secede, so I'm more interested if there are any semi-autonomous province options on the table etc.

I watched a lot of heavy stuff but nothing hit me like that GoPro video of the Ukranian squad that got KIA and then the Separatists found his phone and called back his mother... You probably know what I mean.

Very sad conflict all around, even worse considering it's 2 practically blood identical groups killing each other.