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Sorry Mr Putin, Ukraine is not for you

By Conrad Liveris - posted Friday, 16 May 2014


He is becoming a master of 21st Century propaganda.

Some Ukrainians see this crisis as one they will just have to live with. With no end in sight it is their Afghanistan and Iraq.

For a country that has a troubled past, Putin's arrogance is not just offensive but it is foolish. The stoicism I heard from my Ukrainian friends echoed loudly - they were going to stay in Ukraine longer than Mr Putin ever can.

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In considering the economic factors, which have been well-analysed, Russia is not in a good state: a central bank that is taking emergency action and a complex workforce and budget. The Russian economy cannot afford a war, Putin cannot afford to lose support.

As Ukraine heads towards yet another referendum over its relationship with Russia, it can be assured that if it strongly favours the Kremlin then it is not independent.

 

Each step that Russia takes against Ukraine it receives renewed pressure on a different front. Putin knows well that he cannot be all things to all people. He cannot bear a loss in the 2018 presidential election.

While the now-G7 members are at a loss on what to do beyond economic sanctions, Ukrainians do not want Mr Putin in their land. John Kerry, William Hague, the foreign and defence ministers of Europe must call out Russia's actions for what they are: an attack on sovereignty.

Ukrainians are passionate and determined, Putin is but a blip on their radar. He too shall pass.

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About the Author

Conrad Liveris is a Community Advocate and Operations Analyst, working in business development and policy with a focus on gender equality and intergenerational issues.

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