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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 11-Dec-04
Who poisoned Ukraine opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko?

Web Log - December, 2004

Who poisoned Ukraine opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko?

That's what people are asking today, after doctors confirmed that he was poisoned with dioxin.

Viktor Yushchenko - August 2004 versus October 2004 <font size=-2>(Source: AFP)</font>

Viktor Yushchenko - August 2004 versus October 2004 (Source: AFP)

Suspicions have been brewing for months, thanks to the dramatic change in the 50-year-old politician's appearance since September, which turned him from a young-looking stud into a pock-marked old man. He has frequently complained that he was poisoned, and today, doctors confirmed his suspicion.

So, who poisoned Yushchenko? If it were America, my first suspicion would be an old lover, since no one would be so stupid as to poison a political enemy.

But this is Ukraine, not America. In this case Yushchenko's major political enemy is Russian President Vladimir Putin, formerly of the KGB, and there's little doubt that the KGB is quite capable of poisoning someone to gain a political objective.

Yushchenko was the loser of a November 21 Presidential election which is now almost universally recognized worldwide as a fraudulent election. A variety of fraudulent election-rigging techniques were used, including media manipulation, padding ballot boxes with millions of invalid ballots, threats of physical violence, and rigged ballot counting after the election.

Facing public demonstrations by hundreds of thousands of Yushchenko supporters, the Supreme Court called for a rerun election on December 26. Polls currently give Yushchenko a 10 point lead, and the finding confirming that he was poisoned will presumably increase that lead.

The finding will reopen a criminal investigation in Ukraine to determine responsibility for the poisoning. An angry Yushchenko himself has promised that, when elected, he will investigate all the people involved in the mass fraud of the last election, including the poisoning. Supporters of Yushchenko's opponent, Viktor Yanukovych, have denied having anything to do with the poisoning.

East/West Ukraine split in Presidential vote. <font size=-2>(Source: AFP)</font>

East/West Ukraine split in Presidential vote. (Source: AFP)

Ukraine has been sharply split along geographical lines by the November 21 election: Russian-speakingEastern provinces support the current government and closer relations with Moscow and victory by Viktor Yanukovych. Ukrainian-speaking Western provinces support the "Orange Revolution" led by Viktor Yushchenko, and closer relations with Europe.

Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin

For the many reasons that we've previously described, the steely Russian President Vladimir Putin will not tolerate an entirely independent Ukraine, since Russia needs the resource-rich nation. Putin showed great skill in nationalizing the oil giant Yukos during the last year, and confiscating all its assets for his own purposes, and he'll be looking for ways to do the same in Ukraine. Any such moves will receive the support of the people of East Ukraine, but will be bitterly opposed by West Ukrainians, not to mention governments in Washington and Europe.

Incidentally, most of the people of Ukraine and Russia are undoubtedly aware that today is the tenth anniversary of the day, 11-Dec-1994, when Russia sent troops into Chechnya, marking the official beginning of the Chechen war that is going on until this day. If Yushchenko wins on December 26, as polls currently indicate, then the world will be watching for threats of a similar action.

Today, Ukraine appears to be in a state of suspended animation. The massive demonstrations have been reduced small groups, and everyone is "playing nice," under the watchful eyes of the international community. Undoubtedly, this is also influenced by preparations for Christmas, which will be celebrated on January 6. The question is: Is there any outcome of the December 26 election that will be acceptable to everyone -- East Ukraine, West Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin? (11-Dec-04) Permanent Link
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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 11-Dec-04 Who poisoned Ukraine opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko?

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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 11-Dec-04
Who poisoned Ukraine opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko?