Things that define Ukrainians growing up in America

While we watch and wait, I've been thinking about who I am. It's often hard to explain the things that define Ukrainian Americans, but there are at least 25 anomalous behaviours that we all had in common growing up. I can't explain some of them, I just have to tell you about them. It's what every kid raised Ukrainian around the world knows for fact.

The chess game over desperate Ukraine

EU and US imposed sanctions against Russia escalated today

This morning the EU announced tougher sanctions targeting entire industries as opposed to individuals and corporations. The document issued takes into account legal positions and best practices in sanctions administration. For some reason, the US toughened it's stance but did not go as far as Europe, whereas before it's stance was far tougher than Europe's. It reportedly omitted several banks from the its list. The banking sector takes the biggest hit and will therefore affect London significantly. 

From civil war to international conflict

July 28, 2014: Igor Strelkov, a pro-Russian rebel commander, speaks to the media in the city of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky)

UN issues report on Ukraine

Below is the full text of the press release issued today by the United Nations High Commisioner for Human  Rights, Navi Pillay.  She states, “I would like to stress to all those involved in the conflict, including foreign fighters, that every effort will be made to ensure that anyone committing serious violations of international law including war crimes will be brought to justice, no matter who they are.”

Let's call them what they are: Terrorists not pro-Russian Separatists

Today I am proud not to be Russian

Last week, someone pushed a button and annihilated 298 innocent lives, sending shockwaves around the world. Today, that someone, and we all know who, took down two Ukrainian fighter planes. We know who because he says he did it. Uh, what don't people get about that?

Bloggers' power in Ukraine's quest for sovereignty

#euromaidan

What started as a protest quickly escalated to revolution and it was #Euromaidan on Twitter that fueled the transition. Not only were people in Kyiv like Vitaly Klitchko able to mobilize the masses to join in at the Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Ukrainians in the diaspora were able to help spread the word around the world. It was amazing how many Ukrainians worldwide took to their keyboards and screens. We were glued to social media, passing on any tidbit that might help the cause.  And then the Russians stepped in to Crimea. That's when the diaspora got really active.

Wearing my Ukrainian Trysub cap proudly

Is Putin Ukraine's unintentional nationalist?

Dealing with explosive potential

Mr. Putin has been looking for another excuse to invade Ukraine for some time. When President Poroshenko announced that he was ending the 10-day unilateral cease fire with the rebels since they had not abided by it, Putin stated on television that Russia would be responding to this lack of regard for peaceful resolution, suggesting that he had the backing of the EU leaders. Putin does not have the backing of the EU; their leaders are simply unwilling to take a stronger stand against him. Now that Ukraine has signed a trade agreement with the EU, however, Putin does not have much wiggle room. I was worried that there was explosive potential and that he'd invade, but now I am not so sure that he won't retreat.

Making headway

Ukrainians regaining control of Ukraine

Little by little, Ukrainians are regaining control of Ukraine. President Poroshenko, noting that the insurgents had not abided by the peace agreement, chose to give the military the command to take action.  In a few short days, they had retaken a checkpoint at an important border crossing with Russia, one that Western allies claimed allowed Russian military personnel, arms and even tanks to enter Ukraine illegally.