Protests

Because of Bush's visit to Kyiv, various political factions have been protesting NATO and Bush. I don't know what the western media has covered of this. I overheard from some one else that they had been saying there where violent riots going on in Independence Square. I haven't had any direct access to news however on my own.

Because I don't know what is being covered in the western media, I thought I'd put up a quick post to reassure everyone that while there have been protests in the city center almost every day since I have arrived, they have, to my knowledge, not been violent. The one I saw our second day here was very peaceful with people waving flags, listening to music, and making speeches before walking down one of the major street. Our bus konductor talked to Rauliegh and I about it during our ride home after being out in the city. If anything she seemed amused by the protest, and summed it up with the quintessential phrase "sto delat?" (what is to b done?)I am unsure if she knew we were american as we were speaking in Russian the entire time about the situation. She blamed the protests on Bush, but was content to gossip with us about them.

Anti-Bush sentiment, and Anti-NATO sentiment is very strong here, however anti-american sentiment is not. While it may help that I speak Russian, every Ukrainian that I have encountered here, from the armed border guard to the museum Babushki have been incredibly kind and welcoming.

It is interesting to be in Ukraine during this time of Bush's visit and to see the city's reaction to it. I am very thankful that the people here, even the communist flag waving rebel protesters make a clear distinction between the president of the USA and american citizens, they may be vehemently opposed to the political policies of Bush and NATO, but to us students visiting their country, we are welcomed with out any fuss, a little curiosity, and a great amount of warmth and kindness.