Earlier today the Federal Government of Australia advised Australian citizens to refrain from travelling to Ukraine saying the demonstrations and protests may turn violent. But local observers suggest otherwise.
Yuri Bikmullin reports from Kiev, Ukraine:
“The situation is certainly tense. There are a few dozens of thousands people on the mail square of Kiev – the Independence Square (according to some observers there are hundreds of thousands people, but I have just been there, it is not true).
Mostl Yushchenko supporters are students and youth. They do not care what to protest against, as long as the protest is against the government. It’s the old folk amusement – Re-vo-lu-ti-on. In general, protesters behave themselves; there is no violence or aggression.
I do not think westerners should not be afraid of the demonstrations - Yushchenko is a western-oriented politic. He has already announced himself the President and even taken the oath. It’s real circus. Now Ukraine has three presidents: the functioning president Kuchma, the elected but not yet announced as the official winner Yanukovich and the self-announced president Yushchenko. Sensible people just laugh at this comedy. All this looks like a show. Many people feel: No democracy and no elections are needed in this country. What it needs is a Tsar, or a Messiah, or a General Secretary (or a “Getman” like they used to call Ukrainian leaders in the old days), who will appoint his successor and hand him the power. Then everything will be stable and secure.
In my opinion, nothing serious will happen in Ukraine. At the end the principle “My house is on the edge” [means ‘it’s none of my business’ will prevail. Ukrainians are not a violent type of people… Not the war type… They are more concerned about the well-being of their own household where everybody is his own president.
The Ukrainian government said they would not allow any anti-constitutional acts or violations of public safety. The police are instructed to use all legal means to preserve the constitutional order.
In general, the elections and the following events clearly demonstrated that population of Ukraine is divided into two parts: Western-oriented, pro-USA, and Eastern-oriented, pro-Russian.”
The information and photos are provided by Russian Brides Cyber Guide.
Russian Brides Cyber Guide (www.womenrussia.com), provides comprehensive information about Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet Union, with more than 800 pages and weekly updates. It specializes in international introductions between Russian and Ukrainian women and western men. In addition to dating and relationship advice it also provides information on culture, visas, and travel advice for foreign visitors.