Echoing the 2004 Orange Revolution that voiced people's demand for change, Ukrainians have again called for change. The Ukraine leader has answered otherwise.
Back then, the Ukrainian people declared political freedom of a functioning democracy centered on free elections, and now they protest for economic freedom expected from free trade accords with the European Union.
The president has exhausted forces to subdue the "protest"; however, it is clear that he will only stimulate what the protesters call the "revolution." The president understands well that abandoning Russia while embracing the European Union means less political capital for him and more economic liberalization, all of which he despises but his people desire.
Free trade agreements with the European Union will ensue. Such a course remains inevitable. With shrinking political capital and economic justification, the Ukraine leader should now answer the public, not question it.
Choi Si-young
Yonsei University, Seoul
Back then, the Ukrainian people declared political freedom of a functioning democracy centered on free elections, and now they protest for economic freedom expected from free trade accords with the European Union.
The president has exhausted forces to subdue the "protest"; however, it is clear that he will only stimulate what the protesters call the "revolution." The president understands well that abandoning Russia while embracing the European Union means less political capital for him and more economic liberalization, all of which he despises but his people desire.
Free trade agreements with the European Union will ensue. Such a course remains inevitable. With shrinking political capital and economic justification, the Ukraine leader should now answer the public, not question it.
Choi Si-young
Yonsei University, Seoul
