Ukraine citizens, no say in their own future.

 NO VOTE, NO OPPOSITION, NO FREE PRESS ALLOWED

IT IS CLEAR, THIS IS NOT ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR UKRAINE

While western leaders meet in Latvia to discuss the future of Ukraine, it is amazing that the people of Ukraine have no say about their future or lack thereof. The people of Ukraine have been cut out of the democratic process to control their future since 2014. A revolution that promised prosperity and democracy was the beginning of the end of all aspects of a democratic country.  

Even the election of Zelensky in 2017, who promised a peaceful resolution to the problems in eastern Ukraine and better relations with Russia, has been instrumental in denying Ukrainians any control of their future. Their future is death and destruction, all in the cause of a bigger geopolitical contest.

Since the last election in 2017, Ukrainians have watched as all opposition political parties have been banned, opposition leaders jailed, objective reporters jailed, the press is an instrument of the government and recently, elections have been cancelled. It is now an authoritarian government ruled, supported and directed by outside powers. Interestingly, all this to fend off any Russian influence.

Sometime, Ukrainians should get the chance to contemplate and ask. Are we better off today than in 2014? Do we as citizens have more control of our destiny?  Do we see prosperity and a better life anywhere in our future? Are we better off being a part of this grand geopolitical alliance, than a free and independent country?  

As the country has now lost over 40% of its population due to this crisis, it can be expected to see the rest being forced to get out soon. There is little hope that Ukraine will be a viable country in the future.

We watch as the world divides into opposing economic and political rivalries that are destined to end in a catastrophic future. There is little hope of a bright future anywhere. It appears the world is a rail track to its own demise. The contest is resulting in the end of Ukraine now and the demise of western Europe 's economies is next. It will eventually engulf the whole world into a decline in prosperity, human rights and the quality of life for many. There will very likely be not winners in this global contest.