Reunion, Porcelain Figurine, & Vodka
All is Calm on Ukrainian Front
I spent a lot of time in Ukraine in the late ’90s and with all the recent saber-rattling, albeit cardboard sabers, I chimed a long overdue Skype to my buddy who lives near the Russian border. Because Ukrainian journalists seem to have a short life span and or an odd way of disappearing, I won’t mention names but my friend is a middle-aged, established businessman for many years throughout Ukraine and Russia. He was having a Vodka and listening to oldies rock when I called so we have a great time reminiscing.
On current political events, he described the two sides of the Ukrainian group think. Neither of them appealed to him or his friends and colleagues because they believe it is all theatrics, sensationalized propaganda, and our equivalent of fake news. He explained there are some Ukrainians who think that Putin is bull shitting to gain favor in negotiations with USA/Europe for the Nord Stream gas project. Putin does not want the USA to supply gas to Europe in order to maintain his monopoly while blackmailing Europe at the same time. Other Ukrainians think Putin may invade Ukraine if the USA and Europe do not appear to support Ukraine, like Crimea. Overall, Ukrainians do not think a Russian invasion is going to happen and are not at all worried about it. “War-speak” bolsters support for Putin from Russians who think that the USA wants to invade Russia to take all the black oil resources. So, he routinely talks of invading someplace to solidify patriotism.
As we wrapped up our conversation, he looked out the window at the same moon I would see in seven hours shining over a most beautiful, peaceful country and I knew all was well in Ukraine. In my nostalgia, I dug out my old porcelain statue I got in Kyiv and the hemp blouse the country women had hand-sewed for me 20 years ago! Good vibes, good memories, and reminders of how we are all the same until crooked politicians from any country exploit our good nature to score points for their warped agenda du jour.