When the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990’s, the nations who formed part of that Soviet Empire gradually reclaimed their independence. As such the notion of a USSR successor state is open to interpretation but it is generally recognised by the outside world that the Russian Federation has the best claim to that accolade […]
European Nations Cup wins for Russia, Georgia and Spain
Week four of the 2011-2012 European Nations Cup saw wins for Russia, Georgia and, unexpectedly, Spain.
I’m singin’ in Ukraine…
Fighting in Ukraine’s Parliament as it ratifies the extension of Russia’s Crimean lease until 2042.
Why so little internet in Ukraine?
Why do only 10% of Ukrainians have internet access when more than 33% of their Belarussian neighbours have access?
Russia-Ukraine gas dispute – endgame?
In the New Year’s spirit, I’m going to stick my neck out and predict that the current annual Russo-Ukrainian gas dispute will be resolved by the weekend. Why? Because there’s nowhere else for either side to go. They’ve both pushed all of their bargaining chips into the middle of the table. Depending on which way […]
It’s Russo-Ukrainian gas crisis time!
Ah, Christmas. A time for family, opening presents, and eating far too much. Oh, and time for the annual Russo-Ukrainian gas crisis. In a move that has become almost as traditional as Santa’s squeeze down the chimney, Russia is threatening to cut off Ukraine’s gas supply unless a debt of $2 billion is paid by […]
Does Ukraine hold the key to Russia’s future?
The MIT World Policy Journal is celebrating its 25th anniversary by making access to its Fall 2008 journal for free until the end of November. The 25th anniversary issue looks ahead to the next 25 years and, in Russia’s Rotting Empire, Nina L Khrushcheva (yes – before you ask – she’s Nikita Kruschev’s great-granddaughter) has […]
Poland and Ukraine to host Euro 2012
In a bit of a shock result, the joint bid from Ukraine and Poland has beaten hot favourites Italy to the right to host the Euro 2012 football tournament. There had been fears that the current political crisis in Ukraine, combined with a recent Polish match fixing scandal would hurt the two countries’ bid. But, […]
Rival protests in Kiev as Ukraine crisis gathers pace
The political tensions that have been building in Ukraine over the past year or so may well come to a head over the next few days. Two rival protests have been organised in Kiev this weekend. One for supporters of embattled President Viktor Yushchenko, the other for supporters of Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich. The protests […]
Ukraine picks drag queen for Eurovision – upsets Russians
Ukraine, after winning the coveted (!) Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, seem to have decided to have a little fun with the event this year. They’ve picked Verka Serdyuchka, a drag queen who pokes fun at Russian women “of a certain age”, as their representative for 2007. Predictably, everyone’s upset, from Ukrainians, who think that […]