In many ways the hearings with the US House Intelligence Committee is about Ukraine, too. They are looking to see how a 200 + democracy works and sorts out immoral and dangerous issues from that which upholds and honors the USA Constitution.
Ukrainians are in a place on the globe where Russia is a hostile entity and they will decide many things while paying attention to the US House hearings. I sincerely don't want them to decide that their fight and sacrifice to date is not worth it. They made their will known at the Euromaidan. Pray this will is upheld as a noble and important purpose to continue their walk to a greater and stronger Ukraine. Their will to date is remarkable and they are returning military strength on a daily basis. The USA cannot compromise this important country and must hold the people dear to the purpose of democracy and freedom.
There is no doubt the corruption freely tossed around as a driving force in Ukraine was instilled long ago by a relationship the then-president Yanukovych had with Russia. I don't want to hear debate over these facts. Viktor Yanukovych disarmed the national military and instilled instead oligarch militias to oppress and control the people. That level of corruption undermines the definition of Ukraine's sovereignty. There is no mistake about this understanding. Oligarchies propel the Ukraine economy and the transition has been difficult, but, it moves with the help of global institutions and guidance such as the IMF, World Bank and ambassadors from Western trading partners.
Russia has successfully exerted CONDITIONS on the most recent elections in Ukraine. That is troubling. It is troubling because while President Zelenskyy is an interesting choice, the pressure on the electorate by Russia appears to have had an effect. President Putin has been playing with the hearts and minds of Ukrainians while still involved with war at their eastern and Russia's western border. That is astounding. A Russian president is openly having a conversation with Ukrainians while killing them in war. That is among the most concerning realities of Ukraine at this time. The hostile acts by Russia in openly opposing the reunification of Ukraine with Crimea by building a bridge that threatens sovereign authority by an independent and free Ukraine and the war in Donbass are methods of fear.
Russia justifies these deadly, hostile and fearful acts because these are "Russian People." Somehow they dont' belong to Ukraine. The people of Donbass and Crimea may be affiliated with Russian heritage, but, they are Ukrainians and it is completely wrong for Russia to place ownership over them. The aggression by Russia is that of past methods of the fallen Soviet Union. That is a fact. Russia is revealing itself as a hostile international partner of which any country is vulnerable to it's methods and ultimately war. Unfortunately, Deash gave Russian intelligence and it's president a reason to portray Russia as a friend. It is not. There is no doubt Russia's intention in the world is to take over corrodors of power. Strong men love it and democracies recognize it.
Ukraine is often characterized as a "border country" or one that is a landmass that provides a safe zone to Europe and ultimately the USA. Ukraine is much more than that. They are people that have experienced oppression and poor quality of life due to the fallen Soviet Union/Moscow dominance. They don't want it back and that should be a profound message to the entire world. Ukraine is also a partner in treaties to other Post-Soviet states. Those Post Soviet states are members of NATO. Ukraine's relationship with those Post-Soviet states carries brevity to their economies and stability. Ultimately, Ukraine is important to itself and it's position in the world.
The delay in Javelins to Ukraine is not only uncalled for, but it is also a threat to that country. Ukraine now knows there was a lot of shifting of loyalties within the Trump White House that was asking for favors which is definitive to adding corruption to the burden of a new government pledged to end it.
Ukraine's national defense is NEVER to be questioned or diminished when it comes to the United States of America's participation. Never again. Got that? There was no real reason for it in the first place. Ukraine is not a political toy and it never was. I am grateful to France and Germany for their steadfast belief in democracy and freedom and the inclusion of Ukraine in that reality. The impeachment inquiry is proof the USA will never turn it's back on Ukraine again and there is only ONE WAY TO ENSURE IT.
November 21, 2019
The U.S. House Intelligence Committee (click here) holds the fourth day of public hearings in Democrats’ impeachment inquiry on Nov. 20.
Scheduled to testify in the morning is Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union. Earlier, Sondland amended his closed-door deposition to confirm the link between U.S. aid to Ukraine and Ukraine’s willingness to investigate Trump’s political rival.
The transcript of Sondland’s closed-door deposition can be found here, and the key excerpts from it are here.
Defense Department official Laura Cooper and State Department official David Hale will testify in the afternoon on Nov. 20....
