Analysts: Despite Success of Orange Revolution, Issues Still Persist in Ukraine
December 4, 2006

The struggle for political power in Ukraine between President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych is a reflection of institutional pluralism and democracy according to Adrian Karatnycky at a recent Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) discussion.  Karatnycky, president of the non-partisan group “The Orange Circle,” further went on to say that the competition for policy influence has been within the boundaries of the Ukrainian constitution.  He believes the courts will have to play a primary role in sorting out the disputes between the President and Prime Minister.  Karatnycky says that this demonstrates “…that while Orange Coalitions and orange politicians failed, the Orange Revolution succeeded.”

Also speaking at the discussion was RFL/RE regional analyst Roman Kupchinsky, who noted that Ukraine’s commitment to a natural gas supply arrangement was threatening the country’s future.  He claims a return to old corrupt arrangements shows “nothing progressive,” and that it “will endanger Ukrainian and European energy security.”  Kupchinsky argued that these energy policies are a roadblock “to a reformed and modernized economy.”

For the full RFE/RL press release, please click here.