Focus on Ukraine: More than a Neighbor: Why Ukraine Matters

With expectations disappointed among Ukrainians, and impatience widespread in the West, it might be tempting to disregard the January 17, 2010 presidential election as just another in an endless series of polls that have done little to advance Ukraine in recent years. That verdict, however, would be as premature as it would be irresponsible.

Given the significance and potential of Ukraine, as well as the enormous challenges facing the country, it should be clear, rather, that the country merited all the assistance the West could muster in order to swing the momentum back toward democratic reforms, economic development, and geopolitical stability. The January 2010 election marked an important occasion for the West to reengage in Ukraine, possibly the last moment that the broad spirit of the Orange Revolution and its democratic promise were still alive in the country.