So it is with sympathy, understanding and horror that many of us greeted the leak of a private telephone conversation between U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey R. Pyatt. Aside from the question of who security services are bugging (probable answer: whoever they want) and who released the recording on Feb. 4, Nuland’s frustration with the European Union is shared by many in Ukraine’s political crisis.
The gap between the EU’s tough words and toothless actions is Grand Canyon-like.
Take the European Parliament’s resolution on Feb. 5:
The Ukrainian authorities “continue to pursue a policy of intimidation, repression, torture and violence against protesters, which has resulted in more than 2,000 people being injured, many people being abducted and at least six people killed;”
President Viktor Yanukovych should “cease the shameful deployment of Berkut riot police and other security forces in provoking, kidnapping, harassing, torturing, beating and humiliating supporters of the EuroMaidans, as well as arbitrary arrests and over-extended pre-trial detentions;”
Yanukovych should put “a stop to these practices,” release all political prisoners, including (ex-Prime Minister) Yuliya Tymoshenko and set up an independent investigative committee to investigate all the human rights violations that have taken place since the demonstrations began;
EU institutions and member states should “take immediate action, including increased diplomatic pressure and the preparation of personalized targeted measures (travel sanctions and asset freezes) with regard to all those Ukrainian officials and legislators and their business sponsors (oligarchs) who are responsible for the crackdowns on and deaths of protesters” and “step up efforts to stop money laundering and tax evasion by Ukrainian companies and businesspeople in European banks;”
The EU, the United States, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank should “prepare a long-term package of concrete financial support to help Ukraine tackle its worsening financial and social situation and provide economic support to launch the necessary deep and comprehensive reforms of the Ukrainian economy by the government.”
Now take the EU Foreign Affairs Council’s resolution five days later, on Feb. 10, which only expresses “deep concern” about the situation in Ukraine. It says nothing about sanctions or pressure on oligarchs. It says nothing about EU membership for Ukraine or visa-free travel. In short, it says nothing about anything relevant to Ukrainians looking to end the crisis. How can any nation coordinate policy with an entity that has no coherent policy or position?
Makes us want to use the “f” word a few times.
