Editorial: Ukraine’s democratic progression may be tested

President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine has only been in office
for one full day, but he has already started the delicate balancing
act along the line separating East and West, old and new. How he
will combine the needs of stabilization with those of progressive
reform may become the most exciting example of democratization in
recent time.

Much of the media coverage of the Ukrainian election centered on
the idea that Yushchenko was “pro-West” while his
opponent, Viktor Yanukovych, was “pro-Russia.” There is
some truth to that dichotomy, but it does not fully capture the
complexity of the situation or its potential long-term
consequences.

Eastern European countries are slowly moving toward becoming
democratic members of the European Union and NATO.
Yushchenko’s victory is partially the result of the
tremendous popular support of that progression.

Though Yushchenko’s meeting with Russian President
Vladimir Putin was one of his first official acts, there is no
doubt Russia’s sphere of influence continues to shrink.

As Ukraine begins down this new path, it will be interesting to
witness how the United States ““ on a proclaimed mission to
aid democracy ““ and a transforming EU will help create
Ukranian autonomy while facing an increasingly reactionary
Russia.