{"id":120663,"date":"2014-05-25T07:04:00","date_gmt":"2014-05-25T07:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/?guid=c2d75f8a7b53cb0da2462e8f0ac3ef03"},"modified":"2014-05-25T07:04:00","modified_gmt":"2014-05-25T07:04:00","slug":"putin-on-ukraines-sham-election","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/editorials\/putin-on-ukraines-sham-election\/","title":{"rendered":"Putin on Ukraine’s Sham Election"},"content":{"rendered":"
Putin on Ukraine’s Sham Election<\/b><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
by Stephen Lendman<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
He’s a master chess player. He’s a world-class geopolitical leader. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
He shames his Western counterparts. He makes them look amateurish by comparison.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
He thanked St. Peterburg Economic Forum participants. He thanked everyone attending.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“We established good rapport with our partners in all areas of production, from all sectors of the economy,” he said. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“(W)e are very pleased with how cooperation with our partners” went, he added.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
I’m impressed with “this year’s attendance,” he said. Elements involved included “80% of the global information flow,” he explained.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Their influence on “global and national news cannot be overstated.” He requested they disseminate their message widely.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Spread it worldwide, he urged. Build good relations with Russia. Do it because it matters.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Putin addressed Sunday’s Ukrainian election. “This is what I think,” he said. Putschist power may be strengthened. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Ukraine’s new president may either be transitional, hardline or despotic.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Kiev junta power and “principal (presidential) candidates are, after all, different people\u2026(It) may not be in the interests of those (in charge) today (to have a legitimate) newly elected president.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“I wouldn’t like to think that it’s the start of a new cold war,” he said. “No one needs it, and I don’t think it’s going to happen.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“It would have been more logical and more fundamental in my opinion to hold a referendum at first, to adopt the constitution and then to hold the elections basing on the new legislature.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“A new constitution may be adopted” post-election. “If this is how it turns out to be, then the new president could become intermediary.” <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“Or on the contrary, he would be accumulating maximum of authoritative powers. Both scenarios will be tied to the escalation of the domestic political fight” for control.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Either way, Russia urges “constructive dialogue.” Excluding demands or ultimatums. Based on mutual respect. Without ulterior motives.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Russia operates in good faith, Putin stressed. It expects likewise treatment in return. Nothing less is acceptable. It wants trustworthy partners.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It respects sovereignty of all nations. It expects no less in return. It deplores war, violence and instability. It champions peaceful conflict resolutions.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Its actions speak louder than words. It reflects geopolitical honesty. It’s polar opposite Western policies. It’s struggling to prevail.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Saturday was a Kiev-ordered “Day of Silence.” Sunday presidential and mayoral elections followed.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
In seven regional areas – Kiev, Nikolaev, Odessa, Sumy, Kherson, Cherkassy and Chernovtsy.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Saturday campaigning was prohibited. Sunday voting continued from 8AM to 8PM. It didn’t matter either way. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Twenty-one aspirants competed for president. If no one wins a majority, second round voting follows. Matching two leading candidates.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Most likely in early June. Initial results should be published by around June 4. If needed, round two will follow soon as possible. In days or weeks at most.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It doesn’t matter. Final results are virtually preordained. They’re predetermined. Petro Proroshenko is anointed to win.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Expect electoral rubber-stamping to follow. So-called polls show his support at from around 34 – 38 – to as much as 44%. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
He’s highest in Western Ukraine. Less in Eastern. Least in Southeastern.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Yulia Tymshenko ranks second. She’s way behind. At 5.9 – 8.4% overall. She has no chance whatever. Nor do other candidates scoring less.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
They’re all putschist-approved. They’re regime supporters. They’re hardline fascists. Not a democrat among them.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
None approved. None whatever among ballot choices. Ukrainians have none at all. Key is Russia’s response.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It rejects Kiev putschists. It’s hard imagining support for what’s coming. Moscow wants free, fair, open, democratic elections.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Sham ones followed. Will Moscow recognize what it rejects? Don’t bet on Putin supporting what demands denunciation.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
His policy may differ from post-electoral rhetoric. For sure he won’t accept what harms Russian interests. Especially hostile Western policies.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Post-electoral Ukrainian governance will determine Russian policy. Mostly whether attacking Eastern freedom fighters ceases.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Anything less is unacceptable. Elections during regime aggression have no legitimacy whatever. Nor do putschist-controlled ones.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Lugansk and Donetsk regions reject them. It’s unclear how most Ukrainians feel. How many will vote? <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
How many know what’s at stake? How many understand democratic choices don’t exist? <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
How many realize they’ve been had? How many will go along or opt out? Will electoral manipulation obscure vote totals and turnout?<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Will anything officially reported be legitimate? Will Big Lies substitute? Will independently disseminated information expose them?<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
On May 24, Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics united. A Novorossiya (New Russia) state was formed.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Donetsk (DPR) leader Denis Pushilin announced it, saying:<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“We\u2019ve signed a memorandum on the republics’ union. We’ve named the united regions as the union of people’s republic.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
They include Donetsk, Lugansk, Odessa, Nikolaev, Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye, Kharkov, and Kherson regions. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Details are being finalized. Commissions are preparing political, economic and social policies.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
They’ll be completed in due course. Donbass Governor Pavel Gubarev confirmed Novorossiya’s formation.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“The document was signed by DPR premier Alexander Borodai and head of the Lugansk People’s Republic Alexei Karyakin,” he said.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
A popular manifesto was adopted. It vows self-determination. It includes protection from neo-Nazi terrorism.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It stresses Popular Front resistance. It includes “everybody (able and) ready to resist self-appointed” Kiev putschists.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Against their illegitimacy. Against their aggressive war without mercy. Against their cold-blooded murder.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Against oligarch power. Against complicit Western interests. Against fascists wanting freedom destroyed. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Against their hardline rule. Against war on democracy. Against attempts to destroy fundamental human and civil rights. Against what freedom fighters support.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“We do not recognize the president and parliament of Ukraine,” DPR and LPR leaders said. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“The Donetsk and Lugansk republics are independent states.” <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“We will recognize a government of a newly-elected president if (Kiev) recognize(s) the republics’ independence.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It “should immediately withdraw troops from our republics\u2026(It) should stop (all) military actions.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It should do so straightaway. It should recognize regional self-rule. Their sovereign self-determination, Gubarev stressed.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It shows no signs of doing so. War without mercy continues. Expect worse post-election.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Expect all-out war. Hot and propaganda ones. What follows remains to be seen. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Freedom-fighting struggles aren’t resolved quickly. They continue. Perhaps longterm.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Perhaps after lots more bloodshed. It’s unclear how things will end. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Whatever side is more committed may prevail. Battles are usually decided this way.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Eastern Ukrainians show no signs of quitting. Their resolve is their best hope. It’s encouraging. It’s inspiring. It’s motivating others to get involved.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Perhaps growing thousands will do so. Perhaps an eventual majority. Perhaps including Western Ukrainians. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Perhaps huge numbers nationwide. Perhaps Obama’s latest imperial trophy isn’t secure. Perhaps it’ll slip-slide away. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Perhaps he’ll lose another war. He hasn’t won one yet. Nor did Bush. Or Clinton. Or Bush I. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Or their post-WW II predecessors. Despite millions of corpses revealing their barbarity. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Displaying hubris and arrogance. Making more enemies than friends. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Prohibiting democracy at home and abroad. Heading America for full-blown tyranny and ruin.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Waging war on humanity. Perhaps destroying it altogether. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Fascist regimes operate this way. America is by far the worst in world history. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Others pale in comparison. It threatens humanity’s survival. It hangs by a thread.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
His new book as editor and contributor is titled “Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
http:\/\/www.claritypress.com\/LendmanIII.html<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It airs three times weekly: live on Sundays at 1PM Central time plus two prerecorded archived programs. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.progressiveradionetwork.com\/the-progressive-news-hour <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Putin on Ukraine’s Sham Election<\/b><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
by Stephen Lendman<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
He’s a master chess player. He’s a world-class geopolitical leader. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
He shames his Western counterparts. He makes them look amateurish by comparison.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
He thanked St. Peterburg Economic Forum participants. He thanked everyone attending.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“We established good rapport with our partners in all areas of production, from all sectors of the economy,” he said. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“(W)e are very pleased with how cooperation with our partners” went, he added.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
I’m impressed with “this year’s attendance,” he said. Elements involved included “80% of the global information flow,” he explained.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Their influence on “global and national news cannot be overstated.” He requested they disseminate their message widely.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Spread it worldwide, he urged. Build good relations with Russia. Do it because it matters.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Putin addressed Sunday’s Ukrainian election. “This is what I think,” he said. Putschist power may be strengthened. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Ukraine’s new president may either be transitional, hardline or despotic.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Kiev junta power and “principal (presidential) candidates are, after all, different people…(It) may not be in the interests of those (in charge) today (to have a legitimate) newly elected president.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“I wouldn’t like to think that it’s the start of a new cold war,” he said. “No one needs it, and I don’t think it’s going to happen.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“It would have been more logical and more fundamental in my opinion to hold a referendum at first, to adopt the constitution and then to hold the elections basing on the new legislature.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“A new constitution may be adopted” post-election. “If this is how it turns out to be, then the new president could become intermediary.” <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“Or on the contrary, he would be accumulating maximum of authoritative powers. Both scenarios will be tied to the escalation of the domestic political fight” for control.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Either way, Russia urges “constructive dialogue.” Excluding demands or ultimatums. Based on mutual respect. Without ulterior motives.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Russia operates in good faith, Putin stressed. It expects likewise treatment in return. Nothing less is acceptable. It wants trustworthy partners.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It respects sovereignty of all nations. It expects no less in return. It deplores war, violence and instability. It champions peaceful conflict resolutions.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Its actions speak louder than words. It reflects geopolitical honesty. It’s polar opposite Western policies. It’s struggling to prevail.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Saturday was a Kiev-ordered “Day of Silence.” Sunday presidential and mayoral elections followed.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
In seven regional areas – Kiev, Nikolaev, Odessa, Sumy, Kherson, Cherkassy and Chernovtsy.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Saturday campaigning was prohibited. Sunday voting continued from 8AM to 8PM. It didn’t matter either way. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Twenty-one aspirants competed for president. If no one wins a majority, second round voting follows. Matching two leading candidates.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Most likely in early June. Initial results should be published by around June 4. If needed, round two will follow soon as possible. In days or weeks at most.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It doesn’t matter. Final results are virtually preordained. They’re predetermined. Petro Proroshenko is anointed to win.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Expect electoral rubber-stamping to follow. So-called polls show his support at from around 34 – 38 – to as much as 44%. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
He’s highest in Western Ukraine. Less in Eastern. Least in Southeastern.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Yulia Tymshenko ranks second. She’s way behind. At 5.9 – 8.4% overall. She has no chance whatever. Nor do other candidates scoring less.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
They’re all putschist-approved. They’re regime supporters. They’re hardline fascists. Not a democrat among them.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
None approved. None whatever among ballot choices. Ukrainians have none at all. Key is Russia’s response.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It rejects Kiev putschists. It’s hard imagining support for what’s coming. Moscow wants free, fair, open, democratic elections.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Sham ones followed. Will Moscow recognize what it rejects? Don’t bet on Putin supporting what demands denunciation.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
His policy may differ from post-electoral rhetoric. For sure he won’t accept what harms Russian interests. Especially hostile Western policies.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Post-electoral Ukrainian governance will determine Russian policy. Mostly whether attacking Eastern freedom fighters ceases.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Anything less is unacceptable. Elections during regime aggression have no legitimacy whatever. Nor do putschist-controlled ones.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Lugansk and Donetsk regions reject them. It’s unclear how most Ukrainians feel. How many will vote? <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
How many know what’s at stake? How many understand democratic choices don’t exist? <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
How many realize they’ve been had? How many will go along or opt out? Will electoral manipulation obscure vote totals and turnout?<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Will anything officially reported be legitimate? Will Big Lies substitute? Will independently disseminated information expose them?<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
On May 24, Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics united. A Novorossiya (New Russia) state was formed.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Donetsk (DPR) leader Denis Pushilin announced it, saying:<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“We’ve signed a memorandum on the republics’ union. We’ve named the united regions as the union of people’s republic.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
They include Donetsk, Lugansk, Odessa, Nikolaev, Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye, Kharkov, and Kherson regions. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Details are being finalized. Commissions are preparing political, economic and social policies.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
They’ll be completed in due course. Donbass Governor Pavel Gubarev confirmed Novorossiya’s formation.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“The document was signed by DPR premier Alexander Borodai and head of the Lugansk People’s Republic Alexei Karyakin,” he said.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
A popular manifesto was adopted. It vows self-determination. It includes protection from neo-Nazi terrorism.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It stresses Popular Front resistance. It includes “everybody (able and) ready to resist self-appointed” Kiev putschists.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Against their illegitimacy. Against their aggressive war without mercy. Against their cold-blooded murder.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Against oligarch power. Against complicit Western interests. Against fascists wanting freedom destroyed. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Against their hardline rule. Against war on democracy. Against attempts to destroy fundamental human and civil rights. Against what freedom fighters support.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“We do not recognize the president and parliament of Ukraine,” DPR and LPR leaders said. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“The Donetsk and Lugansk republics are independent states.” <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
“We will recognize a government of a newly-elected president if (Kiev) recognize(s) the republics’ independence.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It “should immediately withdraw troops from our republics…(It) should stop (all) military actions.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It should do so straightaway. It should recognize regional self-rule. Their sovereign self-determination, Gubarev stressed.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It shows no signs of doing so. War without mercy continues. Expect worse post-election.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Expect all-out war. Hot and propaganda ones. What follows remains to be seen. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Freedom-fighting struggles aren’t resolved quickly. They continue. Perhaps longterm.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Perhaps after lots more bloodshed. It’s unclear how things will end. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Whatever side is more committed may prevail. Battles are usually decided this way.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Eastern Ukrainians show no signs of quitting. Their resolve is their best hope. It’s encouraging. It’s inspiring. It’s motivating others to get involved.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Perhaps growing thousands will do so. Perhaps an eventual majority. Perhaps including Western Ukrainians. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Perhaps huge numbers nationwide. Perhaps Obama’s latest imperial trophy isn’t secure. Perhaps it’ll slip-slide away. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Perhaps he’ll lose another war. He hasn’t won one yet. Nor did Bush. Or Clinton. Or Bush I. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Or their post-WW II predecessors. Despite millions of corpses revealing their barbarity. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Displaying hubris and arrogance. Making more enemies than friends. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Prohibiting democracy at home and abroad. Heading America for full-blown tyranny and ruin.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Waging war on humanity. Perhaps destroying it altogether. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Fascist regimes operate this way. America is by far the worst in world history. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Others pale in comparison. It threatens humanity’s survival. It hangs by a thread.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
His new book as editor and contributor is titled “Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III.”<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
http:\/\/www.claritypress.com\/LendmanIII.html<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It airs three times weekly: live on Sundays at 1PM Central time plus two prerecorded archived programs. <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.progressiveradionetwork.com\/the-progressive-news-hour <\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1217,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[461],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-120663","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-editorials"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1217"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=120663"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120663\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=120663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=120663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=120663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}