Ukraine rising

While the rest of Europe played about with votes for ultra-nationalist parties, the people of Ukraine (those who weren't prevented from voting by Putin's thugs) gave us a lesson in democracy on Sunday. Not only did the pro-Western "oligarch" win a majority vote in a multi-candidate election, but the three candidates immediately behind him were also in favor of moving to the West. The two pro-Putin candidates managed a mere 6 percent between them.

To be sure, Petro Poroshenko may disappoint us. (Even his name sounds oligarchic!) But if he fails, it will be Ukraine's failure, and not one imposed upon the country by the bully to the east.

Is it too much to hope that Mr Obama will now screw up his courage and provide Ukraine with aid more tangible than meals-ready-to-eat?