July 28, 2010, 21:24, PR101 wrote " I have a distinct feeling the Russian Patriarchy may do well for not going easy on his overt commentary on the link between Ukraine and Russia as one people at this sensitive moment when the political and economic relations of the two countries are improving." Yes - the current Ukrainian administration has been encouraging a rapprochement in relations with Russia, widely supported by the Ukrainians, a substantial proportion of whom have Russian family ties. There have also been economic benefits (e.g. the cheap gas and Black Sea Fleet deal) for ordinary Ukrainians. The Ukrainian nationalists who Yuschenko was friendly with are no doubt annoyed that their extremist views cannot be imposed on Ukraine but one has to question both the sanity and morality of anyone prepared to carry out such a despicable and cowardly act.

I would be carefull with Ukrain! From the country's previous confusion about the NATO membership we could see that Ukrain is NOT 100% with Russia! Ukrain has to learn to rely on itself economically and politically. The country could easy turn it's back on Russia again and become friendly with countries that don't uphold the same values as Russia does! Russians have to become more ruthless if they want to survive as a nation! Maria Kuznetsova