EuroMaidan Revolution
The Globe and Mail: Put it to a vote in Ukraine
Anti-government protesters wear home-made protective plates on a barricade in Kiev on January 27, 2014. The Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday was due to meet to discuss concessions proposed by Yanukovych to end the crisis, in a highly anticipated extraordinary session that could be a make-or-break moment to resolve the standoff. AFP PHOTO/ SERGEI SUPINSKY
The best chance for a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine lies in a dissolution of the Verkhovna Rada, the country’s parliament, to be followed promptly by new elections for both parliament and the presidency.
The protesters in Kiev, and across the country, have well-founded grievances, especially against the disproportionately pro-Russian policies of President Viktor Yanukovych. But they are not in a position to overthrow the government. The short-lived occupation of the Ministry of Justice on Sunday and Monday is far from being a promising precedent. Anything resembling a civil war is neither desirable nor feasible.
