Ukraine
September 26, 2007
Privet! Hello! Hola! Bonjour! Konnnichiwa!
My name is Katryne, you may call me Kate, but in Ukraine it is Katya. I am 18 years old.
I am from the Ukraine,peninsula Crimea, Simferopol. I study in the National Tavrida University at department of law as a junior. NTU is the most prestigious University in the Crimea.
I like traveling. I spent a lot of time abroad and i am interested in cultures of different people. Whenever I arrive in a new country I plunge in their country with curiosity. I haven't yet in America. But i am very happy that fate has presented me with such this chance to learn. I hope that this trip will be unforgettable and I hope i will gain more knowledge. I arrived here as an exchange student and I will be studying here only for one semester. I am a tutor of Russian language as well.
Also I have my motto:
"I want to live,not exist"
Thanks and good luck everyone!!
Keep in touch!!!
Poka.
April 12, 2007
During the last two weeks there have been a lot to see and to speak about in Ukraine. My country again faced another political crisis and here are some news about it.
"President Viktor Yushchenko is willing to freeze his order to dissolve parliament, a chief aide said Wednesday, in what appeared to be a major concession aimed at resolving Ukraine's political crisis. However, his archrival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, showed no sign of backing down."
Supporters of Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych rally on Independence Square, where a stage is set up for speakers to address the crowd in Kyiv, Tuesday. Ukraine's defiant parliament on Monday said it would only support early parliamentary elections if an early presidential vote was held simultaneously
Continue reading "Ukrainian president willing to freeze order that sparked political crisis"
April 01, 2007
In October 1991, when the Soviet Union broke apart, the Supreme Court of Ukraine made a decision that the Chernomor Fleet would belong to Ukraine. On April 5 1992 the president of Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk, signed an edict, according to which the fleet turned out to be under the administration of a Ministry of Defense. This aroused such a harsh reaction in Russia, that on April 7 1992 Boris Yeltsin signed a decree “About the transition of a Chelnomor Fleet to the jurisdiction of Russian Federation.” After three months of confrontation between two sides, on June 23 Russia and Ukraine came to an agreement that was supposed to create military fleets of both countries with the base in Sevastopol.
In the next years the tension between the two fleets lessened and the two marine staffs began to interact more comfortably.
Continue reading "The Russian Fleet is being forced out from Crimea again"
February 20, 2007
Hello. My name is Piotr and I am from the Crimea. It is the most beautiful place of the southern part of Ukraine. My native town is Simferopol. It is the capital of Crimean Autonomous Republic. Simferopol is a small town like Salem and by the way our cities are sister cities.
I would like to write about events that concern my country and the USA. Today the USA is a powerful country and I think that cooperation between my country and the USA is very important.
November 05, 2006
After four long months of negotiations, uncertainties and coups
de theatre, Ukraine has formed a new government and a majority
in the Parliament. What are the lessons to be learned from
these events?
Continue reading "Ukraine finally has a new government and the majority in the Parliament! It took us 4 months..."
October 06, 2006
Hello!
The word "news" itself seems to be very political, at least for me and, I believe, for many Ukrainians as well. Two years ago we had presidental elections (3 rounds!) and Orange Revolution. And in spring 2006 we had parliamentary elections. There are still a lot of arguments about how the country should be governed and what politicians should do. As George Burns put it "Too bad all the people who know how to run this country are busy running taxicabs or cutting hair". It is very true to the situation in my country today=) Everyone has his own opinion about what should be done=)
Continue reading "News selection from Ukraine"
September 29, 2006
Hello!
My name is Natalia, but you can call me Natasha or Nataly, whatever makes you happy! The matter is, back home it's the same. Natalia is more official, though parents and friends prefer calling me Natasha.
I'm from Ukraine. And, what is more important, I'm from
Crimea, which happens to be the best peninsula ever found! Many people believe that we already became an island, as the part of land which connects us to the big land is really small and each year becomes smaller, though people artificially prevent the distruction of it, because there are railways and highways. Anyhow, I claim that it's absolutely impossible to visit Crimea and not to fall in love with it!
Continue reading "Natalia's introduction (Ukraine)"
February 26, 2006
Olena O Grebennikova
Hi, it▓s time to write something for World News. A lot has happened in Ukraine since I left it. But indeed, noting unusual or special has happened. Ukraine keeps defending its reputation as an independent and mature state. In order to do so, it is working towards membership in NATO and trying to stop internal corruption. If you are really interested in politics, you can find the latest Ukrainian news here.
http://blog.kievukraine.info/
Pictures and pictures!
For those, who are not so involved in politics, but who wants to learn something interesting about Ukraine, I offer to visit wonderful Crimean photo album. It has many beautiful pictures made by professional photographers! It enables you to get acquainted with the most fascinating places of my Homeland just after few minutes, because here you don▓t need to read anything. Just open your eyes and watch!
P.S. As I mentioned before, Crimea is a peninsula in the south of Ukraine.
February 03, 2006
Hi!
My name is Lena. I▓m an exchange student from Ukraine. I live in the most picturesque and beautiful part of Ukraine, Crimea, which is situated in the south of the country. Crimea is a peninsula on the Black Sea. People have lived there since ancient times, even when they had to live in caves. Because of this fact Crimea has a very rich history and there are many historical, archeological and cultural sites. In the XVIII century Crimea was joined with Russia, and many Russian people moved here. That▓s why my native language is Russian.
In 1954 Crimea became a part of Ukraine, as it is today. Due to its long and rich history there are over 100 different nationalities living in Crimea now. I live in the capital of Crimea, Simferopol, which is situated nearly on the same latitude with Salem.
I would be very happy to share the most interesting information about my home country with Willamette students.
December 09, 2005
Zhana Gres
Do Russian people ever smile? This question might be asked a lot. Definitely, Russians know how to smile, however, it is not done on the regular basis. It is unusual to encounter Russians smiling to a stranger. They just don’t do it, for whatever reasons they have. If they don’t know you, they will not smile to you on the street. Russians are friendly and hospitable once they know someone, but at first they might seem cold and hostile.
EU sees Ukraine as market economy
Recently European Union granted Ukraine a market status. This was seen as to increase trading relations. Yushenko, the president of Ukraine explained a market status economy as a “huge step” for Ukraine.
No visas required for 6 more European countries
Traveling sometimes might not be easy as it seems to be. Ukraine has restrictions on entering the country. However, some changes have been made. Today, EU member countries, Switzerland, Canada, the United States and Japan can travel to Ukraine and spend there no more than 90 days.
November 18, 2005
Famous Boxer Klitschko Retires From Ring
Ukrainian sport is proud of few people: boxing brothers Klitchko, Olympic swimmer Yana Klotchkova and world-record holding pole vaulting guy Serhij Bubka. Well, now one of the boxing brothers is leaving the sport, which is sad.
Ukraine to withdraw majority of troops from Iraq
Withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Iraq was one of the most controversial promises the new democratic government of Ukraine has made. However, it took ⌠just■ one year to make the actual decision about withdrawal.
October 21, 2005
Ukrainian press and free speech
Freedom of speech is base of democracy. But not every country is born with this notion like America. Right now Ukraine challenges the concepts of democracy by establishing the norms of free speech.
Belarus cracks down on opposition
Even people who know about Orange Revolution in Ukraine sometimes do not realize that it was just one of the many. SOme revolutions already happened (Ukraine, Georgia,...), some are on their way.
Yushchenko wins Chatham House prize
Not the Nobel Prize this time, but still a really cool award for bringing about a peaceful revolution in Ukraine. President Viktor Yuschenko recieved this prize from the Queen of England!
October 07, 2005
Hey!
The daughter of a former Prime Minister of Ukraine has wedded a british heavy metal star. I don't think Bush's kid would do that!
To begin this year, here are some facts about Ukraine, from the BBC and the Economist websites:
And for those wondering, "where is Ukraine, anyhow?" here is a map of Ukraine:
Ukraine told that EU door is open
The European Union is expanding. In 2004, ten new members joined the EU; some of these countries are located in Eastern Europe and have experienced the collapse of communism. Ukraine is located in the Eastern Europe and used to be a part of the Soviet Union until 1991. As other countries, Ukraine is not yet eligible to be a member of the EU.
Does Ukraine have a future in the European Union? It might have a chance to become a member of the EU and today it is working towards integration with the EU. However, it will take time. One of the most important goals is to ⌠raise the level of economic competitiveness.■
September 23, 2005
Hi, my name is Dasha and I come from Simferopol, Ukraine. My country is awesome :) I miss it a lot, yet I am very happy to be in Willamette (unfortunately, I only get to spend one semester here). At home I major in English and minor in German, but here it is Rhetoric that is my biggest homework load. I am very excited about writing for Willamette World News because I get to select and present news from my Homeland. Ukraine plays an important role in the set-up of political powers in Europe and in the world. Right now, Ukraine is facing major changes in both its foreign and domestic politics, cultural values and ⌠Independence experience.■ We even survived one revolution! It▓s fascinating to watch a new nation being born, and you can witness it, too, through the Willamette World News!
Hi,
I am Zhanna. Originally I am from Ukraine, a country located in Eastern Europe. At present it is an independent state. When I was born 1985, it was a part of the Soviet Union. Historically, Ukraine had not been independent until 1991. The city –Uzhgorod, where I lived for about 15 years is right on the border with Hungary and Slovakia. Years ago, Uzhgorod used to be a part of Austro-Hungarian Empire and part of Czechoslovakia.
After World War II when the Soviets crossed the land, Uzhgorod became a part of the Soviet Union. Now, it is Ukraine. Nevertheless, because of its location the city is very diverse. It is kind of cool because people there are have different background and culture, and speak varieties of languages. Nationalities that live there are Hungarians, Slovaks, Check, Polish, Romanians, Germans, Russians, Ukrainians and few more. The official language in Ukraine is Ukrainian. Russian is sure understandable and spoken a lot in Ukraine. When I was little I spoke Russian at home, but 1990’s when I had to go to school, I had to learn Ukrainian. Ukrainian and Russian are not the same languages. They have some common characteristics such as alphabet because they are Slovak languages, however, they sound different.
It is probably enough about on history; if something else comes up I will definitely write.
I moved to the United States, Portland, OR about 4 years ago. Went to high school, liked it, enjoyed, learned…and decided to check out colleges. I did and now I am here a sophomore at Willamette University, liking, enjoying, learning and writing for the World News.
If some days (most likely every day) it is raining and you feel like drinking your hot tea and reading something Interesting and Educational such as news, but you don’t feel like reading Salem newspapers or just sit and watch TV, you want something different, like knowing what’s happening in other parts of the world, you are at the right spot. We will try to make it as fun, interesting, entertaining and educational as possible.
Hope all of you had a great summer and is having a good school year so far. Smiles
March 19, 2005
Ukraine's Yushchenko Takes Westward Drive to U.S.
At the time, when debates in Ukraine over the last presidential elections
seem to have subsided, and old frustrations have become less poignant, it
is time for the president to get to business. Among other priorities
Viktor Yushchenko set for himself, are closer relationship with Western
European countries and the USA which are likely to ensure Ukraine's future
membership in the EU and NATO as well as World Trade Organization. The
first step towards the realization of this plan will be this week's visit
to the United States. During the visit Viktor Yushchenko will have a rare
opportunity to address Congress. He will meet President Bush, Vice
President Dick Cheney, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. There is
much hope that these official meetings will foster the development of
friendly political and economic relations between the countries.
Yushchenko's Wife Gets Ukraine Citizenship
The American citizenship of our president's wife, Katerina Yushchenko, was
not a popular fact to mention during the election campaign. The reason for
that is self-evident: the candidate's opponents could have used it against
him. Now that the first lady has received Ukrainian citizenship, this is a
matter of the past. Read more here:
Space Day
The date of April, 12 is coming. Perhaps, this day says nothing either to
an American or to a Western European. However, almost every person born in
the post-Soviet countries will tell you why this day is glorious in
history. April, 12 is a Space Day, the day when the first human being
overcame earthen gravity and saw our planet from space. This is not a
day-off in Russia or Ukraine but is definitely the holiday which is
commemorated every year and will be remembered as a date opening the space
exploration era. Read a biography of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.
March 04, 2005
EU official predicts Turkey, Ukraine membership around 2015
Ukraine might be a part of European Union. It seems like it is early to talk about it. However, Ukraine's new president – Yushenko wants Ukraine to be a part of European Union. At this point, there is a hope that Ukraine might become a part of EU in 2015.
Yushchenko Asks Europe to Take Ukraine Seriously
One of the ultimate goals of Ukraine’s president is to be a part of the EU. This article provides some information of what the president’s plan is.
Chornobyl: Funding Problems May Cause Disaster
Chornobyl happened in the Ukraine about eighteen years ago. It was a powerful disaster for many people within and outside the country. To avoid further danger, a Shelter was constructed to protect the environment from radioactive releases. However, today the Shelter is not in a good condition and needs some reconstruction. This article points out that many countries around Europe as well as the USA are concerned. People are still exposed to radiation and there is a threat to human lives. It is challenging for Ukraine to shut down the Shelter because it means they may have a critical power supply shortage.
This is another website that provides information on Chornobyl.
Ukraine seeks EU and NATO integration
Ukraine is living through a very important time now. President Viktor Yushchenko made it his goal to get EU and NATO membership for the country. However, he insists on keeping a good relationship with other neighbors such as Russia which has been our strategic partner for decades.
Ukraine relaxes visa policy for EU
After Ukrainian singer Ruslana won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 it was a big surprise for the whole country. Firstly, no one expected such
success. Secondly, the country was reluctant to shoulder the responsibility of the host during the next contest which obviously entailed much expense. Nevertheless, these days the preparations are in full swing and the Ukrainian capital Kiev looks forward to the event. Now Ukraine is ready to make a pleasant surprise for all who want to visit
this spectacular show: it relaxes its visa policy for European tourists. So, welcome to Kiev, Ukraine, on May 19 and enjoy the holiday of music!
Sightseeing in Kiev
For those who accept the invitation to Ukraine, make sure it is really worth your attention. See the slideshow of Kiev's places of interest:
February 18, 2005
Yushchenko to remove opponents in high local government positions
As far as you know, Viktor Yushchenko, Ukraine's former opposition leader, was elected the country's president for the next four years. On January 23 he was sworn in as president and now Yushchenko has to form a new government. Everyone claims democracy won in Ukraine but the article below testifies to how "democratic" our country is.
Ukraine's Parliament Speaker Says Pick Your Team Carefully And Prime Minister Will Have Significant Power
After the presidential elections Yulia Tymoshenko, who played a significant role in the massive demonstrations before the last run-off of the presidential elections, was appointed prime minister. The first woman to shoulder this job in the country, she presented an "outline of her government proposals, including ensuring free medical care, protecting intellectual property rights, converting the military to full contract service by 2010, reforming Ukraine's corrupt judicial system and changing the nation's image abroad." It is curious to note that while Tymoshenko labels Ukraine's judicial system as 'corrupt', she was known to be involved in a recent corruption scandal but managed to escape justice unscathed by bribing the justices in the Supreme Court she is willing to free from corruption now. Read about the Ukrainian parliament speaker's attitude to the events who is viewed as an influential politician in the country.
Why Millions Say, Softly, God Bless America
The word 'democracy' is so frequently used today that it has been abused and completely misused up to the point that it very often came to mean or to imply the opposite. Of course, it is a nice word with all sorts of positive connotations but it became very convenient to apply it to any undertakings for the sake of one's own interests. The article below is aimed at disclosing European 'pseudodemocracies' while extoling the democratic merits of the United States. The only response it deserves is a question: who are the judges? It is widely recognized that the foundation of America was the democratic principles inscribed in its constitution. In the course of its development the USA, however, changed so much that these principles seem nowadays merely a tribute to history. This statement may sound too harsh but how a democratic country can speak about "the installation of freedom"? Isn't freedom achieved naturally? Doesn't "installation of freedom" mean imposing freedom or even using violence to achieve it? Anyway, placing George W. Bush's name next to the names of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington is unacceptable whereas saying they would have been proud of what he had done is simply a sacrilege. One more issue which deserves attention in the article is connected with Ukraine and its sweet democratic present. If only the author of the article knew how bitter this sweetness is and what kind of democracy Ukraine now "enjoys".
February 04, 2005
Hey, Willamette!
To everyone’s disappointment the semester has started. Now it’s hard to believe that only two and a half weeks ago we were enjoying all the pleasures of being free: free from school, classes, exams, in the festive atmosphere of our homes with our family around. Many of the international students also had a chance to cross the Atlantic (or just the Northern American border) to reunite with their families and friends for the vacations and rush back again. For me, however, it was not there and back again but rather “here and here again”. Anyway, I had a good time with my roommate in Manzanita, Oregon, where I spent Christmas with her family.
One day we went to Astoria and met her dad who lives on a sailboat. We took a trip on the Columbia River and saw a dozen of sea lions just in a few steps’ distance. Very exciting! What was later - you don’t want to know. Well, I stayed in Salem and worked on my research back home. Hopefully, it was productive enough.
Frankly speaking, I am glad to have come back to campus, it was so lonely without you, guys. I wish you patience and perseverance in striving towards your goals. Be creative and enthusiastic and you will accomplish what you have in mind for this semester and later. Good luck, everyone!
What you missed in Ukraine:
Ukraine's Parliament Sets Inauguration of Yushchenko
On Sunday, January 23, after more that a month of protests and
demonstrations, Ukraine eventually saw the inauguration of its new
president, its former opposition leader, Viktor Yushchenko. Though the article I suggest here was written prior to this event, it provides a comprehensive review of what had been happening in the country since October, 31 – the date of the first round of these presidential elections. Moreover, it gives some hints on the elected president’s priorities and on what our foreign policy will be like in the following several years.
Washington Interest in Ukraine: US Intervention for 'Democracy'?
The next thing I suggest reading here is not actually a piece of news but a review of William Engdahl’s recently published book Washington Interest in Ukraine: US Intervention for 'Democracy'? I would like to start presentation of this abstract quoting the last sentence of the previous article: "Geographically… Ukraine has not gone anywhere." The significance of this phrase seems irrefutable in connection with what has been going on in the country since the beginning of the 2004 presidential election campaign. Apparently, it is Ukraine’s geopolitical location which makes it so irresistibly attractive for the world’s superpowers, Russia and the USA
in particular. What interests do Russia and America have in Ukraine and other post-soviet countries? What impact their political games have on the young democracy? How democratic this democracy is going to be? You will find answers to these and other questions in this review. Also, this reading is advisable because it is much different from what you usually find on-line in the editions that are highly influenced by the people in power who succeed in shaping our minds according to their molds through media.
New Year Celebration in Ukraine
Strange as it may sound to a western ear, New Year (not Christmas) is the most important and favorite holiday in Russia and Ukraine. It may partly be accounted for by the fact that religion takes a minor place in the life of the majority which must be the result of the prohibition of everything which had to do with the church during the Soviet era. Today Christmas (Ukrainians as the Orthodox celebrate it on January, 7) is a quiet family holiday which is highly respected but still stands minor in importance to New Year’s. However, there is Catholic population in the Western Ukraine which celebrates the holiday together with the Western world. Several years ago the popularity of the “Western” Christmas reached such a height,
that many people began to celebrate it twice - on December, 25 and on January, 7 though we still don’t have an extra day-off in December. Due to these historical and cultural reasons the celebration of the New Year’s Eve has more colorful and vivid traditions in contemporary Ukraine than Christmas.
In this article you will find the history of the Russian-Ukrainian New
Year and the first four lines of our famous song of the holiday. As long as the notion of a ‘carol’ is not familiar to the major part of Ukrainians and Russians, it is a good substitution for it.
Welcome back, everyone!
Hope all of you are excited for a new semester and being back to Salem, OR. You should be!
During the winter break it seems like that many new things have happened in each country. In the Ukraine, there was a major event. A new president was finally elected. I tried to keep up with the news during my winter break, yet, a lot was happening out there. So, I can tell all the news. Talking with some people back in Ukraine, now it looks like the situation is calmer than it was a month ago. Unfortunately, it is very hard to say if the new president is good for the country. I guess, time will show.
Here is a link of some pictures and short summaries that might give a better idea on the latest news in Ukraine.
By the way, regarding the holidays, Ukrainians love to celebrate the New Year’s , December 31. Big and fun times, family time, Santa (ded Moroz), gifts, party, good food, …all the good things.
December 10, 2004
Ukraine president, assembly deadlocked over poll
Many of you are aware of what is going on in Ukraine now. The results of the latest presidential elections were found fraudulent and it took the
decision of the Supreme Court to appoint the re-run on December 26th. Meanwhile streets in various cities of the country are full of people supporting the opposition. For an outsider it does seem an expression of democracy, freedom of speech, and fight for one’s own rights. However, under the surface, everything appears to be not so transparent. According to one saying “Money is the root of all evil”. Another saying goes as “Money makes the world go round”. Both are true. Nowadays when the politics is a matter of money this truth is getting bitterer. Money in politics can do magic: it buys friends, allies and support. Read more about the political crisis in Ukraine:
News Analysis: Ukraine resentments sank EU's mediation
It seems that whenever a conflict emerges in one of the countries, other countries rush to rescue offering its help and advice. Last week the
European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, came to Ukraine to mediate in the ongoing crisis. Such attempts were also made by the Polish
president Alexander Kwasniewski and other European leaders. Why the German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder did not hurry to pay a visit to Ukraine? May be it is more expedient to let the country choose its fate without interference?
Storied Wine Collection Goes to Auction
In one of the previous issues you could find out about Ukraine's most famous winery Massandra which produced wine of the best quality for
Russian czars, Nikolas II in particular. Nowadays Massandra has won international glory and some of its wines have been auctioned in London since 1990. Read about recent sales of the Crimean wine in Christie's and Sotheby's.
November 19, 2004
Welcome to Europe's tiger economy: Ukraine
Owing to its beneficial geographical position and its role in history, Ukraine is considered an important partner both for European and Western countries. Nowadays when EU enlargement has brought the borders of Europe to Ukraine, it looks ever more tempting. Another fact which increases the
country’s popularity on the international arena and makes it more attractive for cooperation is surprising economic growth Ukraine hasn’t known for a long time. Surprising - because since the breakdown of the USSR the country has been struggling with a number of problems of different kind and is still having to cope with many of them. Today before the second round of presidential elections when the country’s fate is at
stake, it makes one wonder what the Ukraine’s future will look like. “Which is it to be? A Ukrainian civil war, or more of the Ukrainian economic miracle?” we are going to find out on November, 21.
Americans have extended George W. Bush's contract
No one is going to deny that November, 2, 2004 has become a remarkable date in history. On this day the anxious world, torn apart by mixed feelings, was watching the U.S. presidential elections. Obviously, the outcome of the campaign appeared to be a bitter disappointment for the majority of the world’s population. For some, the Americans including, it
will for ever remain a shameful page in the U.S. history. Read an article about Europe’s reaction to the elections.
World: reactions to Bush reelection – praise, resignation, and fear
Here is one more article on the world’s respond to the U.S. election results. It dwells upon how different regions of the world perceived the news about Bush’s reelection. It was gloomy news for the overwhelming majority of countries although the attitude is ambivalent. It is worth noting that the official opinion and the point of view of the ordinary
people may differ. But politics is a cunning business. The head of a country is expected to give preference to a country’s interests over his
personal ones which was apparently the case with some of the Europe’s politicians cautious in passing their judgment on the elections results.
In previous issues of Willamette World News you have already had an opportunity to get acquainted with Ukraine’s most beautiful views. See more pictures of Ukraine, but this time taken from space.
Kharkiv Student Develops Program For Eye Stress, Tension
Are your eyes tired from working on the computer? There is might be a solution! The Ukrainian student discovered a program that might help to determine when people who work in front of the computer for a long time, should take a break and rest their eyes.
EU Hopes for Clean End to Ukraine Election
After the first round of the elections in Ukraine, two candidates are in the lead. Yushchenko and Yanukovich, both have different views toward improving the future of the country. The European Union wants to see fair and free elections in Ukraine, to test the democracy the country got after the breakdown from the Soviet Union.
What's the EU's point in keeping Ukraine away?
Recently, ten new countries had joined the European Union. This article is written by the former deputy prime minister, who discusses the reasons why Ukraine is not and probably will not be in the European Union in the near future.
November 05, 2004
Ukrainian Election Forced Into Runoff
On October 31st the whole of Ukraine rushed to the polling stations to cast their vote for a candidate for the presidential chair with hope to provide themselves with better future in the next four years. The turnout was estimated at approximately 75 percent. As it turned out later, the results of the vote failed to come up to their expectations. According to the preliminary results which appeared after 94.4 percent of precincts had been counted, pro-Kremlin Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych had 40.12 percent and top opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko had 39.15 percent.
Other candidates won an insignificant number of votes. The final vote count has still to be announced officially but it is apparent now that
Ukraine is going to face a runoff because none of the candidates won more than 50 percent of votes. The runoff, set for Nov. 21, prolongs a campaign
that has been overshadowed by worries over irregularities. All in all, the evaluation of the elections is ambivalent, ranging from statements
defining them as “legitimate, free and open” up to those claims, that Ukraine “failed to meet democratic standards”.
Expatriate Ukrainians claim election 'corrupt'
Here is one more article which deals with the Ukrainian elections in the Canadian city of Calgary and other countries. It tackles the problems of
exercising one’s suffrage being separated from Ukraine by miles and miles of distance; thus, giving an answer to the question I was asked by some of
American citizens here: “Are you gonna vote? Why not?” Several Ukrainians in Calgary wore orange on Sunday, but they weren't celebrating Halloween.
They were showing their protest against the corruption of the elections after having been denied the ability to vote by the court.
Ukrainians united by "Wild Dances"
When in May 2004 Ukrainian pop singer Ruslana won the "Eurovision Song Contest", Ukrainians were not less surprised than the rest of Europe. Ruslana was considered a professional promising young singer with certain future prospectives but no one thought
she would be able to attract the attention of millions of people. With her victory, Ukraine earns the right to stage the 50th Eurovision Contest in
2005. Her song "Wild Dances" seemed to unite everyone listening to its Hutsul rhythms in a single wild upsurge of emotions. Ruslana’s belief in
the victory was the main power that drove her towards the accomplishment of her goal. “Be bold and wild in your soul on the way to your
victories!” she says in the interview to the Welcome to Ukraine Magazine. Read the interview here.
Epidemic proportions: Ukraine's HIV challenge
Today, HIV is one of the biggest health problems in Ukraine. This article states the reasons why the problem exists, describes the challenges to deal with it and predicts the consequences of this problem. The personal story of a young Ukrainian girl is portrayed in this article, a story similar to many others. Before reading this article, I did not realize that Ukraine has such a big problem with HIV.
Ukrainian election still to be decided
Ukrainian elections happened on Sunday, October 31. Yushchenko and Yanukovich won the most votes, however, it is not enough to determine who is going to be Ukraine’s new president. New elections will take place on November 21. It seems that Yushchenko is in favor to bring Ukraine closer to the West and European Union; Yanukovich wants Ukraine to be politically closer to Russia.
Who is next?
Many students in Ukraine organized a group to support Yushchenko.
Ukrainian presidential election's run-off will influence relations between USA and Ukraine
The US and Ukraine relations may not change after the US elections. Both republicans and democrats in the USA have the same view on the relations with Ukraine.
October 22, 2004
Ukrainian Presidential Campaign Poll: Second Round - Yanukovych 42%, Yushchenko 34%
Ukraine is looking forward to the upcoming presidential elections. Now, before the Ukrainian citizens cast their votes for the candidates, the election campaign is in its full. There are more than twenty registered
candidates, but the potential rivals for the presidential chair remain the same: the Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich and the former Prime Minister,
opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko. Strange as it may seem to the U.S. resident, the country's fate will be determined on October, 31. Hopefully,
the Halloween won't be a sinister day for Ukrainian history.
Russian ambassador offers single currency to Ukraine
I promised you some news from Russia? Here you are. Russia and Ukraine are ready to discuss currency integration and the introduction of a single
currency. The Russian Club in Kiev aimed at making this idea come true was set up in August 2004. Currency integration will no doubt foster the
economic cooperation between the countries, but one may question whether it is of much benefit to Ukraine. In terms of the exchange rate the Ukrainian currency hryvnya has been more stable than the Russian ruble.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has expressed his concern on the same issue in regard to the Belorusian currency and objected to the
Russian ruble being introduced in the country.
Reds From The Tsar's Wine Cellars In Crimea To Go Under The Hammer At Sotheby's In London
For the dessert I suggest some Crimean wine. The Massandra winery in the Crimea (the region the author of the presentation comes from) was founded
in the 19th century. Since then it has been one of the most widely-known wineries in the country famous for its unique wines with deep flagrant flavor. Now some of the wines formely produced for the Tsars are to be
auctioned at Sotheby's in London on Dec 3 when they are expected to fetch more than 500,000 pounds. This action is meant to raise the international profile of the products, which are not widely known in the West. Find out more about the history of winemaking in Crimea.
Ukrainian Population Likely to Reduce to 45 Million by 2015
This article gives some data on Ukraine’s population. It looks like Ukrainian population is declining. Government is planning to work on increasing the average life interval by improving people’s health and increasing the birth rate in the country by helping young families.
The Pentagon's Restrained Optimism
US Deputy Defense Secretary (Paul Wolowitz) and some European members are interested in Ukrainian cooperation in Europe. They are being concerned about Ukraine and want to give it a chance to be more involved in international relations.
What Happens After the Ukrainian Presidential Election?
Ukrainian elections are approaching. They may completely change the situation in the country. However, it is hard to predict what really to expect. Questions are coming up: Is the election going to be free and fare? How it will change the situation in the country and affect other actors?
October 08, 2004
Ukrainian Contigent in Iraq
The Ukrainian goverment has planned to reduce its peacekeeping contigent in Iraq recently. In response to that, Iraqi Vice-Premier Bahram Salih asked to maintain the current number of troops in his letter to Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma. He emphasized the importance of Ukrainian
peacekeepers' presence in the country during a constitutional referendum and the election of a permanent government.
Agency Plans to Invest in Ukraine Economy
This article deals with a U.S. development agency that signed contracts worth $40 million aimed at boosting the housing industry and small
business in Ukraine. The agency is ready to spend up to $2 billion for the development of the country.
Nazi-seized Old Master drawings restored
On Saturday, October, 2 the Ukrainian goverment returned to the Netherlands 139 Old Master drawings which had been looted by the Nazis
from Rotterdam collector Franz Koenigs. Find out more about the complicated fate of the paintings.
Ukraine’s European future, Russia’s medicine, reforming the UN
What is Ukraine’s future role in Europe? This article shortly describes Ukraine’s incorporation with EU, relationship with Russia, and the function of the UN.
Yushchenko Not Poisoned, Austrian Hospital Says
Yushenko (Ukraine’s presidential candidate) accused authorities of poisoning him. The hospital he was taken to, says that there is no medical evidence of poison found.
It seems that, Yushenko has a big chance to become a new president of Ukraine.
Big times for Ukraine because current president has been in power for two terms.
Kuchma and the American presidential election
This article provides some information about United State’s relationship to Ukraine. What are the current policies of the United States and Ukraine.
Both countries are going through the process of presidential elections. How will the elections in the USA influence the Ukraine?
September 24, 2004
Ukraine company suspected of supplying Iraq with weapons
The article I suggest reading is entitled "Ukrainian company suspected of trying to send missiles to Iraqi insurgents". It deals with the dealings of a company accused of illegal activity and the reaction of the people in authority as far as this infamous matter is concerned. In fact, it is not the first time that Ukraine is suspected of weapon-dealings. However, you can never trust everything you hear completely as long as mass media has always been known as a great way of manipulating people's minds.
But form your own opinion after you`ve read the article
How the Ukraine tries to fight with terrorism
The piece of news I recommend is devoted to the countrywide Internet conference under the title "Terrorism in the contemporary world: Ukraine's input into the world struggle with terrorism" - In my opinion, the heading speaks for itself. As a matter of fact, terrorism has become the evil which threatens everyone regardless of color, age, origin, religious confession etc. And it is the reason why struggle against terrorism must become our common concern. The news also introduces a Ukrainian journalist who visited the USA on September, 11, 2001 and covered the news of the tragedy from New York City.
Interesting details about history and culture
This time I won't provide you with a particular information, but would like you to get acquainted with Ukraine's history and culture, because I suspect that few of you know more than the name of the country. Here you can take a plunge into the depth of the Ukrainian life starting with the old times and up to the present. The site enables you to find out various information depending on your interests and preferences, such as About Ukraine, Politics, Travel, Business, Culture, News etc. Moreover, here you are able to view maps of Ukraine as well as the pictures of the most famous resorts and those of the most prominent politicians of the country. Don't miss it!
Who Next? Ukraine's Opposition Leader Fears Murder
Right now, one of the hottest news in Ukraine is a presidential election which is going to happen at the end of October. Recently, one of the candidates (Yushchenko) was severely poisoned by some kind of chemical. Yushchenko said that danger may exist for others as well. This is widely discussed in Ukraine because Yushechnko has a lot of chances to become a next president of Ukraine.
Ukraine – New Funding for IOM Counter Trafficking Project
USA supports Ukraine in a fighting human trafficking. Sounds interesting, apparently, Ukraine is one of the most active countries in Europe that fights against trafficking.
Bubka leaves to stay
For many athletes it is hard to face that they have to leave their career but some of them never leave they are still involved in what they love. Like, Bubka who is a famous Ukrainian pole vaulter, after many years of competition is not going to participate anymore. Nevertheless he has some great plans ahead of him.
September 20, 2004
Hello!
I’m Olga Sakhnova. I’m from the peninsula in the southern part of Ukraine which is called Crimea. It is a really beautiful place with wonderful landscapes and seascapes (of the Black Sea) and some unique species of fauna and flora. Well, yes, I start feeling homesick.
Strange as it may seem, my mother tongue is Russian, not Ukrainian. If you want the answer to it, you’d better ask history. To cut a long story short, Crimea used to belong to Russia till 1954, when it was granted to Ukraine. Nowadays, there are over 100 nationalities inhabiting the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukrainians, Russians, Tartars, Greeks, Armenians, Germans, Italians in particular.
In my home country I study foreign languages: for me it is English and German. Here I hope to acquire some Spanish and French too. I’m really happy to study at Willamette this year as it provides me with a great opportunity to get to know customs and traditions of America and those of other countries my new friends come from. It gives me an excellent chance to look at my culture from another point of view and, of course, to meet you all here on campus.
This semester I'm going to cover news from Ukraine and probably from Russia. If you are Russian language or Russian literature major, or if you are a politically-minded person, or both, you are welcome to the Ukrainian-Russian pages of Willamette World Views.
For Internet Explorer user: to read the text below in Ukrainian, please go to the view tab in the Main Menu bar and select Encoding: unicode.
For Netscape users: to read the text below in Ukrainian, please go to the view tab in the Main Menu bar and then select Character Coding, then More and then Unicode(UTF-8).
Continue reading "Olga Sakhnova"
Hi,
I am Zhanna. Originally I am from Ukraine, a country located in Eastern Europe. At present it is an independent state. When I was born 1985, it was a part of the Soviet Union. Historically, Ukraine had not been independent until 1991. The city – Uzhgorod, where I lived for about 15 years is right on the border with Hungary and Slovakia. Years ago, Uzhgorod used to be a part of Austro-Hungarian Empire and part of Czechoslovakia.
After World War II when the Soviets crossed the land, Uzhgorod became a part of the Soviet Union. Now, it is Ukraine. Nevertheless, because of its location the city is very diverse. It is kind of cool because people there are have different background and culture, and speak varieties of languages. Nationalities that live there are Hungarians, Slovaks, Check, Polish, Romanians, Germans, Russians, Ukrainians and few more. The official language in Ukraine is Ukrainian. Russian is sure understandable and spoken a lot in Ukraine. When I was little I spoke Russian at home, but 1990’s when I had to go to school, I had to learn Ukrainian. Ukrainian and Russian are not the same languages. They have some common characteristics such as alphabet because they are Slovak languages, however, they sound different.
It is probably enough about on history; if something else comes up I will definitely write.
I moved to the United States, Portland, OR about 4 years ago. Went to high school, liked it, enjoyed, learned… and decided to check out colleges. I did and now I am here a sophomore at Willamette University, liking, enjoying, learning and writing for the World News.
If some days (most likely every day) it is raining and you feel like drinking your hot tea and reading something Interesting and Educational such as news, but you don’t feel like reading Salem newspapers or just sit and watch TV, you want something different, like knowing what’s happening in other parts of the world, you are at the right spot. We will try to make it as fun, interesting, entertaining and educational as possible.
Hope all of you had a great summer and is having a good school year so far. Smiles
February 16, 2004
Ukraine ratified the Kyoto Protocol
On the fourth of February the Supreme Council of Ukraine ratified the Kyoto Protocol on limiting and lowering emissions of greenhouse gases that affect the atmosphere. According to the protocol, a country takes its own responsibility for limiting the emissions of harmful wastes. 242 deputies voted in support of this decision, exceeding the required 226 votes.
The protocol, which was accepted by many industrially developed countries in 1997, is a national agreement between Europe, Japan and Canada that judicially requires those countries to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Among the countries that have not yet ratified the Kyoto Protocol is the United States and Russia.
A Successful Operation
On the February 5th, Ukrainian servicemen in Iraq succeeded in apprehending several people supplying weapons to terrorist groups. Various arms and artillery were confiscated.
This operation was in coordinated with a subunit of F-15 fighter jets supplied by the U.S. Air Force. More recently, the 9th of February marked the first rotation of Ukrainian serviceman in Iraq. The original 404 servicemen returned to Ukraine replaced by another group of 415 peacemakers. Commander Kikolay Petruk emphasized that their main tasks in Iraq are to do their job well and to return to the Ukraine alive and unharmed.
No Sales Here!
An assistant to the Ukrainian president re-ignited controversy over the possible sale of nuclear technology to the Taliban in 1998 by questioning Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security Council Vladimir Gorbulin. According to the Arabic newspaper Al-Hiyal, terrorist organization Al-Qaeda based in Afghanistan, has been in search of such technology. Al-Hiyal also mentions that Ukrainian scientists had visited Kandahar, Afghanistan in 1998, the same year that Gorbulin assumed the position of Security Council Secretary. Gorbulin denies any allegations that Ukrainian scientists visited Kandahar since 1991. The dismantling of nuclear weapons and programs in Ukraine began on May 31, 1996.
September 29, 2003
Hi, my name is Roman and I'm from Ukraine. If you are good at geography don't read the next sentence. Ukraine is in Eastern Europe between Russia and Poland and if you don't know it yet, SHAME ON YOU!
I'm an exchange student and I will be studying at Willamette for a year.
The question I'm usually asked here is: What is different? Well, people, having spent a month on campus I can say that everything is different.
Especially taking into consideration that we don't have campuses at all. The system of education in Ukraine is completely different (from the grading system to quantity of hours spent in the lectures). I like it better here since you spend less hours in the class.
I'm glad to take part in this project and to express an Ukrainian point of view on the issues given by LLC.
April 28, 2003
Many people think about this question right now and argue about the future happenings in Iraq and how they will influence the Middle East and other countries. Russian people never supported the American government in their aspirations of war and later in their hostilities in Iraq. They don't support it now when the war is almost won and the Iraqi people thank Americans in front of the cameras and reporters. The majority of Russian people believe that it's not for the best of the world's history. Many think that all that happened is, in the first place, for the benefit of thieves who loot the country to pieces. It's impossible for the American government to find a replacement for Saddam's tyranny and bring peace and order into the country.
Continue reading "Is the War Over?"
March 03, 2003
Tanya Dzyadok
As you might know already, Ukraine is a young state, as it only became an independent country in 1991. Since then our government has been trying to work out, pass, and eventually adopt different reforms and legislative acts. But it is a long-lasting process and requires a lot of debate, discussion and reasonable argument. Unfortunately, we still used to live according to the Civil Code of early 1960’s of Soviet Ukrainian Republic because it took already 10 years for our statesmen to argue on this very important legislative act. Just for your information, the project of the new Civil Code has already passed three readings, but it had not come into effect yet – the reason is our President’s veto.
With regard to the Criminal Code of Ukraine I can say that we are just starting to regulate our life in compliance with the new code. It was fortunately adopted on April 5, 2001, and came into effect as of September 1, 2001. Actually, in June and July of 2001, after several years of debates, the Ukrainian parliament adopted a package of laws on judicial and legal reforms. The new legislation, which was intended to bring Ukraine’s legislation into conformity with Council of Europe's standards, included a new Criminal Code and a Code of Criminal procedure as well as series of laws which amended existing legislation relating to the issues of judiciary, the procuracy, the police and pre-trial detention. Accordingly, in compliance with the Criminal Code of Ukraine effective as of September 1, 2001, the death penalty was replaced with the life imprisonment sentences. Precisely, the new law, replaced the death penalty with life imprisonment, except for people under 18 or older than 65 who are given lighter sentences.
Upon joining the Council of Europe in 1995, Ukraine promised to abolish the death penalty but the government had been criticized for not implementing a ban despite a moratorium on executions in March 1997. Our country, however, had continued to execute prisoners in 1997, in violation of its commitment to implement the immediate moratorium on executions on joining the Council of Europe in November 1995. Ukraine’s Constitutional Court ruled in the same year that the death penalty was illegal and ordered the legislature to annul corresponding articles in the Criminal Code. Finally, the new Criminal Code was adopted and, even, came into effect.
I would say that it’s not only the point of clemency, but our tendency to enter the European Union and become one of the civilized country in all its manifestations…Only time will show what is good and bad, what reforms do work and which ones are totally unsuccessful. It’s a long way for us but I hope we will overcome all the obstacles to transfer into a full value European country…
February 17, 2003
Saint Valentine's day. I can't say that this holiday is as common in Russia, the Ukraine or in any county of the former Soviet Union as it is in the United States. More then that - less then ten years ago few knew that such special day existed. Only those who were directly invovlved in learning the English language knew about this day as a foreign tradition. I first heard about it from my English teacher and on the 14th of February, our homework was to make valentines in English and to seceretly give it to your favorite. But we, being wicked teenagers without any compassion, were writing cards while signing someone else's name and the giving them to our classmates to see what was going to happen, and what the reaction is going to be. That was, in most cases, a bad idea with lots of cruel consequences....
But the thing is that Russia, and also the Ukraine, is always eager to adopt any foreign tradition that is related to holidays and entertainment - more occasions to celebrate for the joyful Russian soul. That's why during the past couple of years Saint Valentine's Day has become more often celebrated in our countries. Mostly the teenagers and young couples are the ones to support this fest - it's always pleasant to spend more time with your lover or to give flowers to your special lady. Every year in the mass media Saint Valentines Day is talked about more and more: new television programs appear, there are the sales all around (which is also a benefit for big companies), the lovers send each others valentine cards and on this day you can feel romance in the air.
Although Saint Valentines day wasn't our holiday from the very beginning, and it started its life a little bit artificial in our country, my forecast is pretty much positive - this holiday is going to be ours as well. And this is good because love is the most beautiful feeling in the world, and that deserves its own holiday.
Continue reading "Marina Taran"
January 20, 2003
My name is Marina Taran and this is my second semester in Willamette University as an exchange student from the Ukraine. When I came here I was surprised that very few people know what Ukraine looks like and even where it is. That's why I am glad to take part in this project. We, international students, will write about our countries, and give you the latest and the most interesting news from back home.
Continue reading "Introduction:"
