Situation in Ukraine Remains Volatile
ERR journalist Astrid Kannel reports from Kiev that the people in Maidan square have seemingly calmed down, but many of them are not happy with the conrolling opposition, either.
According to Kannel, the situation has calmed down compared to the recent weeks, however, people are keen to point out that they have not come out there to support the opposition now in control of the Ukrainian government, but to demand a dignified life.
A new government needs to be formed quickly but many feel that the opposition is busy getting a slice of the pie for themselves. Once again the feeling is that they think more about their official cars than the people, so people are still here and waiting to see how it will go, Kannel said.
Since Ukraine is verging on bankruptcy, problems with pensions, salaries and social benefits could stir up anger, she said.
The disintegration of Ukraine is a common fear, as is the idea that Russia has its sights set on the Crimea region. Discarding predictions, Kannel nevertheless said that Crimea is becoming a sore spot for Ukraine, not unlike Abkhazia and South Ossetia for Georgia.
The possibility of a conflict there would depend on “how big a stain Russia would want on its lapel in addition to all that has happened”, Kannel said.
Kaarel Kaas, editor-in-chief of the monthly Diplomaatia (Diplomacy), told ETV’s morning program today that the situation in Crimea is unpredictable and volatile, because militias are being formed and appeals are made to Russia to save them from “fascists” and help their “compatriots”.
Kaas hoped the standoff will be solved peacefully, but he did not rule out violence as the endgame.
The lack of clear leaders in the presidential race is a problem and the negative scenarios include bloodshed, breaking up of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and discord in the opposition camp that was witnessed after the Ukraine's Orange Revolution of 2004-05.