Mike Levin: “the demise of the Soviet Union, in 1991, provided an opportunity for millions of people to chart their own destiny as…”

“the demise of the Soviet Union, in 1991, provided an opportunity for millions of people to chart their own destiny as people free from the yoke of repressive communism. At that time, there was great hope that a free and prosperous Ukraine could become a member of the Euro-Atlantic community that is united by democracy, free markets and the rule of law. In the past 12 years, Ukraine's transition to democracy and capitalism has been a difficult process marked by success and failure. The successes are many: Ukraine has given up nuclear weapons, peacefully changed power from Leonid Kravchuk to Leonid Kuchma, partnered with NATO's Partnership for Peace program, and has stationed roughly 1,600 troops in Iraq--one of whom, Private Ruslan Androshchuk paid the ultimate price for his service. Yet, in spite of these achievements, Ukraine faces a stark choice of leadership as it seeks to shape its second decade of freedom from communism.”