The Economist: Reforms have yet to appear but the thuggery and cronyism are in place

[IreneLviv]

Ukraine's president: Viktor Yanukovich turns eastward | The Economist

[Gotno Gizmo]

Recent history shows us that cronyism and nepotism are usually part of those autocratic regimes like Kazakhstan, Belarus etc. Some of such regimes in Arabia have unpicked or are unpicking as I write.
I would not like to see Ukraine going down this road, and I do not believe that the Ukrainian people will allow this to happen.
I'm also aware that even in seemingly "democratic" countries creeping oligarchic forces can undermine a nation to the disadvantage of the population.

[Gotno Gizmo]

It is May Day in Ukraine and President Yanukovich's Party of Regions Rally draws a smaller crowd the the Communist Party Rally in another part of town.
This woman begging for money to buy her much needed medication is indicative of what is going wrong in Ukraine.
Finally, on a happier note, girls in national costume.
Happy May Day everyone.