The 25th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence

Thanks to Congressman Frelinghuysen for reminding us that it was 25 years ago that Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991.

 

But twenty-five years later Ukraine is still in conflict with its dangerous & menacing next door neighbor – Russia, who has forcibly annexed Crimea & supports rebel forces in a conflict that has already cost 10,000 lives with another 22,000 people injured.

 

The congressman writes:

 

"In recent weeks, 40,000 Russian troops have deployed to the Ukraine-Russia border region.  The ultimate purpose of Russia's escalation is not yet evident, but it is clear that Vladimir Putin refuses to accept a thriving pro-Western democracy in Ukraine.  As Kiev works to overcome these threats & enact reforms, the United States must step up its support to our beleaguered partner.

"In 1991, the Ukrainian people clearly declared that they wanted to chart their own destiny.  More than ever before, the United States should help Ukraine fulfill the promise of the past quarter-century & enable the country to choose its own role in the international community."

Long time readers of RTE know of my affinity for the libertarian Ukrainians who fought behind the barricades in the Maidan in 2013 to preserve & protect their freedom much like our Founding Fathers fought for freedom in America over 200 years before.

 

RTE's readership in Ukraine rarely drops lower than second in worldwide blog readership.  Russia & Moldova are often near the top.  I believe it could very well be the same people reading these messages as they move from country to country.

 

But what I do know is that the people who live under the conditions recounted by Congressman Frelinghuysen above are best described by Alexis de Tocqueville:  "I should have loved freedom, I believe, @ all times, but in the time in which we live I am ready to worship it." 

 

Reference post:  Christmas & New Year's Message For Ukraine