You're reading: New York Times: In Ukraine euphoria of 2004 has turned to despair

LVIV, Ukraine — It is not immediately clear why Vasily V. Humenyuk should be a candidate for president of Ukraine. A former customs official from the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, he subscribes to no particular ideology, has the flimsiest of platforms and does not plan to tour the country before the vote, reasoning that “these trips cost a great deal and the people are sick of them.” In fact, he could have vanished into this winter’s overpopulated presidential race had he not, on Oct. 2, legally changed his last name to “Protyvsikh,” Ukrainian for “Against Everyone.”Though few see Mr. Protyvsikh as a serious candidate, he reflects the sour mood that has swelled in the electorate — and one that could swing a pivotal presidential election in January. Read the story here.