Russia And Ukraine Are Facing The Same Challenges

Analysts: Ukraine's Challenges Are Also Russia's -- Daniel Schearf, Voice of America

KYIV - Ukraine's pro-European revolution succeeded this year in replacing its Russia-backed president with leaders favoring European integration. But the Kremlin's annexation of Crimea, and support for pro-Russia rebels in east Ukraine, has many worried the country will remain unstable or conditions will deteriorate into all-out war. Political analysts say the Kremlin's actions are a threat to both countries.

Ukraine's leaders marked the one-year anniversary of Ukraine's Euromaidan revolution not with celebration but as a somber occasion.

Relatives of protesters killed in the clashes that led to the ouster of Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovych have yet to see justice. And the costs of revolution are adding up.

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My Comment: I am not optimistic. Russia's problems are economic .... but Ukraine's problems are far more deeper, and as long as there is no desire among the Ukraine government to compromise with the rebel-federalists in the east .... this conflict will continue, life will continue to get harder for all Ukrainians, and in turn Russian - Ukrainian relations will continue to suffer.

Update: Ukraine crisis forced into suspended animation for 2015 -- Pierre Briancon, Reuters