In a Wine Cellar in Lvov, Ukraine

This was taken in a wine cellar in Lvov/Lviv after a long day at the Catholic University discussing the association agreement with the EU and the main question of whether Ukraine should look East or West. Despite being far away, in this cellar it was difficult for me to not know I was not in France.

The Gas link between Ukraine, the West and the Recent Turmoil

This article in the Guardian provides a different perspective on the recent events in Ukraine. In particular, uncovering more of the west's involvement in the events.

Gorbachev's View on Crimea's Recent Split from Ukraine

Former Premier of the USSR, Gorbachev, more liked in the West than in the CIS, thinks it is good that Crimea has been given the chance to decide its own fate. He also makes insightful comments about the state of the US's foreign policy. Whatever one might think of his opinions, the view from a person who experienced the decline of the Soviet empire and was directly involved has the potential to provide a longer term narrative and perspective than is possible in the current sound bite media.

Soft Power: Some Evidence of USA Spending on Political Related Activities in Ukraine

The National Endowment for Democracy, a non-profit organization, receives the bulk of its funding from Congress. It supports various programmes, projects and organizations around the globe that are involved in promoting or strengthening democracy. However, many of the activities actually supported would, in most Western countries or democracies, be considered foreign intervention in domestic affairs (politics). I have attached a list here of spending programmes in Ukraine from NED's Annual report. The latest one is not yet apparently available for the 2013 year, but I wait to see what was included.

On USA's Mistaken Foreign Policy Initiative in Ukraine

This article in Foreign Policy provides a sober review of the contest between the USA and Russia in Ukraine in 2013-2014 following the U-turn away fromt he association agreement with the EU, social protests, and regime change.

Not Far From the War Memorial

There's More than One Way to See the Countryside

This bus is in fairly decent shape and probably still transports a lot of people from A to B at low cost. I rode a similar bus, in worse conditions, from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, across the Steppe to Bishkek, Kyrghyzstan, in 1999 for I think 4 USD. It was recommended to take lots of water on the bus and some food. Halfway along, I found out why. The bus broke down, the driver gave up, and we had to wait along the side of the road in the hot sun for hours until another one came.

Classic Example of Pre-Post Soviet Era