Ukraine: Perhaps the Longer Lull

Not much further progress seems to have taken place.  There are tidbits here and there, but not massive movement either way.  Note: the Risk map seems to have disappeared from being updated.  Either we have stalemated or the Euromaidan is being forced back.

Yanukovich is supposed to be back on the job after his sick leave.  His timing seems to be about when the European delegation was in Kyiv.  Interesting that.  Equally so is a report that Yanukovich is stating he will not use force but woudl rather call early elections instead.

The Russians have gotten more belligerent.    They are low keying it, almost certainly because of Sochi.  However, they have delayed the next payment for the brokered deal.  They have also called on the West, repeatedly, to stop interfering with Ukraine.  Finally, there are reports of some of the Russian special forces being in Ukraine.

A delegation from the EU visited Ukraine.  Not sure what really came of it.

The Europeans and US are looking to move in and take over payments instead.  It'd be a good move.  Let's see if they can talk themselves out of it again.

There is an interesting article about the Titushki.

My personal bet is there is a countdown underway.  Unless Euromaidan can push Yanukovich off his seat in the next week and a half, he'll have the pretext to crush Euromaidan because of the amnesty law. We'll see.  Yanukovich might be crumbling, too.