What was good about Ukraine in 2019

It's easy to lament what might have been in Ukraine with a change of direction in 2019 that ended up mired in global politics. Somehow I think bringing Ukraine to the global stage will end up having been a pivotal moment for the country. But while we're at it, let's celebrate some of the successes that most people don't know about. Euromaidan Press brings up 10 positive trends that took hold in 2019.

1.  Economic growth of 3.5%
2.  Strength of the Hryvnia and reserves
3.  Trade growth and EU alignment
4.  Record grain harvest
5.  Salary growth
6.  Tourism boom
7.  Strengthening of road infrastructure
8.  Cultural boom
9.  National self-confidence
10. The people's satisfaction with the overall direction of the country


http://euromaidanpress.com/2020/01/21/10-successes-of-ukraine-in-2019-you-dont-know-about-but-should/?fbclid=IwAR1L-9QZfpySQ_E1vN689l_SrzOliFtm31e0OTdQnj6HW8TRxGx9HkxoVd8

Ukraine amidst global controversies

How is it possible for Ukraine, until recently relatively silent and unknown on the world stage, to suddenly become so embroiled in multiple incidents garnering global scrutiny and attention? The most recent incident is the downing of Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737 bound for Kyiv in Iran shortly after Iran sent missiles into Iraq targetting US military bases in response to the US assassination of an Iranian general. It appears the plane was shot down by Iranian missiles. The Iranian missiles were probably supplied by Russia, who, in 2014, shot down a Malaysia Airlines jet over eastern Ukraine.

While Ukraine is at the centre of attention of the US impeachment trial of Donald Trump, Russia is gaining power in the Middle East whereas the US appears to be losing ground. It's all about to go to hell in a handbasket. And somehow, Ukraine ends up in the middle again. Poor President Zelensky. I'm sure if he'd have written the script this way for his TV show Servant of the People, it wouldn't have been believable.

Bill Taylor Leaves Kiev

Another one bites the dust. Bill Taylor, the top US diplomat in Ukraine, leaves his post after less than six months. He knew it was a temporary assignment, especially after giving testimony against Trump in the impeachment hearings. But still, the unrest continues. Now that Trump is 'wagging the dog' with Iraq/Iran, Pelosi is holding up the impeachment trial in the Senate, and America on the brink of war, anything can happen. What a mess!

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/02/politics/bill-taylor-leaves-post-kiev/index.html