New Eastern Europe Issue 1

We, the Barbarians of Ukraine
VIKTORIYA CHYRVA
The slogan “Ukraine in the European Union” is on the
lips of almost every Ukrainian politician. In the West, one
can often hear voices saying that Ukraine’s place is in the
EU. And yet, has anybody ever thought about what the EU
would look like if Ukraine became a member?
Today, through the actions of politicians and symbolic gestures, Ukraine shows
a lack of readiness for joining the European Union, thinking of everything other
than its integration into Europe. President Viktor Yanukovych, however, seems
to have great PR experts – since day one of coming to offi ce, he has declared that
Ukraine has pro-European aspirations. When he made his fi rst offi cial visit to
Brussels, many experts felt very confi dent. His decision to go was interpreted as
a clear signal: the new government is willing to keep the pro-European policy of
the previous government. In reality this “pro-European policy” has not gone beyond
lip service and the patting of backs.
Discounts for friends
Soon after the Brussels visit, Yanukovych fl ew to Moscow. It then became clear
that Ukraine’s foreign policy would turn East, not West. His decision to visit Moscow
was explained thus: pro-European values are not bread-and-butter values, and
friendship with Moscow needs to be maintained. Otherwise, Ukraine will not
get its preferred price for energy resources imported from Russia. It is no secret
that since signing the agreements with Russia on imports of natural gas in 2009,
Ukraine is still paying much more than many Western countries. Kyiv has not managed
to get its preferred price, despite signing the Kharkiv agreements in which
Ukraine agreed to station the Russian Black Sea Fleet until 2042, in exchange for
a discount on natural gas.
In truth, the Ukrainian people have not noticed this discount because the real
discounts went to large industrial enterprises owned by politicians connected with