Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

A poll shows Ukrainians becoming more pro-Russian. Capitalism and democracy are losing favor in the former Soviet states of Eastern and Central Europe, according to a poll published on Monday. Most respondents reported a stronger feeling of economic comfort under communism.

Ukraine’s quest to become a member of NATO, and more integrated with Europe and the European Union, is dead. Don’t be surprised if, over the next few months, Kyiv—adjusting to life without the backing of Europe—accepts the inevitable and assumes a more pro-Russian stance, as The Trumpet reported in January.Then, in August, Russian President Dmitry Medvedevlambasted Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko for his pro-Western policies, but embraced the Ukrainian people. This recent poll’s results show that Ukrainians are succumbing to Russia’s efforts to woo them, and that the Kremlin’s efforts to pry Kyiv away from the West and toward Russia are paying dividends. The poll, conducted between August 27 and September 24, surveyed around 1, 000 people across the UK, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine. The Ukrainians surveyed gave capitalism the lowest approval rating of any country, with only 36 percent saying they approved. Read the story here.