EU Can Help Ukraine After Yanukovych’s Crackdown

The new wave of civic protest in Kyiv, including violent clashes with the riot police, marks the second month of massive popular opposition to President Viktor Yanukovych. The new laws passed in the parliament last week represent the latest challenge to democracy, which the EU could prevent by putting more pressure on Yanukovych and oligarchic backers of his political regime.

Most Ukrainians are outraged at the latest effort by Yanukovych to tighten his grip over freedom of assembly, media and civil society. The laws aim to curb the enduring demonstrations in which his opponents have demanded the government’s resignation, investigation of the use of violence against peaceful protesters, and early presidential and parliamentary elections. Yanukovych's opponents also insist on returning Ukraine to the democratic and European path of development.

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