Ukraine vote reopens European question

The result of the presidential election in Ukraine will have a bearing on the country’s future relationship with Europe.

Euronews asked political analyst Olexiy Garan when an eventual membership of the European Union for Ukraine could be expected.

“After the Orange Revolution there was huge enthusiasm about Ukraine – both within Ukraine and outside,” he said. “However, from the European Union we did not see clear signals and did not see a clear action plan on how to draw Ukraine closer to Europe.

“So, definitely, it’s in Ukrainian interest to do its own homework but also the position of the EU is also very important. And some of the EU countries are more willing to accept Ukraine in the EU, but some are still reluctant.”

If there is reticence in Europe, the same cannot be said for Russia, which has made it clear it wants closer ties with Kiev.

The port of Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula is symbolic of the shared history of the two countries. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is based there, along with thousands of Russian naval personnel and their families. And most of the two million inhabitants are ethnic Russians.

Most of the votes in Sevastopol were doubtless going to Yanukovych.

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