After Rowdy Debate Ukrainians Extend Lease on Russian Base

Parliamentary members threw eggs, smokebombs and even fists. The Parliament in Kiev was debating on extending the agreement to allow Russia a naval base in Ukrainian territory. The opposition, those throwing eggs etcetera, believed that the extension would infringe on Ukrainian sovereignty. The agreement, negotiated last week by the new Ukrainian president, Viktor F. Yanukovich, was ratified by 236 members, out of a total of 450.
There is a strong hatred for Russia in Kiev and all of the Ukraine. The Russian naval base is a symbol of the Russian shadow over Ukrainian politics and the future. President Yanukovich has vowed to patch up relations with Russia but the man who is believed to be a champion of the people does not always have his citizen’s support in that endeavor.
The Ukraine will make for an interesting political battleground in the next couple of years. The Ukraine wants to join the European Union and establish strong ties with the West, but Russia will do all it can to block that relationship and stay dominant over the country. And with President Yanukovich, and his strong ties to the Kremlin, it may be a long time until the Ukraine sees such a development.