"So, How is Russia?"

Since 1992, I have been traveling to or living in Ukraine. On visits back to the US, I have been asked countless times--even by educated people--"what is life like in Russia? So you were in Russia?" I typically patiently explain that the Soviet Union collapsed and that Ukraine is a separate country and is not a part of Russia. I know many Ukrainians have had the same experience.

Ukraine and Russia are definitely not the same country. Ukraine is a struggling post-Soviet nation that is peacefully being transformed into a democracy. Following the Orange Revolution, a new freedom swept the nation, and now dissent or protests against the government are a regular part of life. TV channels no longer experience regular censorship. Massive demonstrations both for and against the government can take place only a few meters from each other and there is no conflict.

But Russia is different. Since Putin came to power, the government has systematically seized power and has attempted to squelch all opposition. The Russian media always reports a very negative view of what is happening in Ukraine. This weekend, a former world champion chess player was arrested for leading an opposition march in Moscow. This suppression happens regularly. That's one reason the Ukrainian prime minister's party recently people from displaying Russian flags at their rallies. There were quite a few of them. Remember the guy in London who died of polonium poisoning this year? And that the polonium was traced back to Russia?

I guess that's why it just sickens me the way the West plays to Putin.