Focus on Ukraine – Ukraine’s Post-Election ‘To-Do’ List

Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko had yet to concede defeat to Viktor Yanukovych, but Yanukovych looked likely to assume leadership of the country in the near future following the February 7 2010 presidential election widely deemed free and fair by international observers. Western leaders needed to get over their 'Ukraine fatigue' and engage the country, its new president, and its people more than they had in the past out of recognition that Ukraine mattered enormously to the future of Europe.

Yanukovych, too, should focus on ways to deepen engagement with the West as he simultaneously worked to improve ties with Moscow. He also should work to avoid an early round of parliamentary elections since the last thing the people of Ukraine want was yet another election.