It's not clear to me exactly how the majority of Western Ukrainians intend to keep Eastern and, to some extent, Southern Ukraine in a united Ukraine. I understand that the rhetoric from leaders there essentially boils down to the argument that all of the problems that have been raised are contrived. These include having Russian recognized as a second official language, greater autonomy, greater regional autonomy, concern about religion. Their view is that these were never issues that bothered them before; the fact that they're raising them now is not due to the way that the regime was instituted, but must be due to some sort of external influence.
Again, if that's their view, then I think they're mistaken. I recall reading a while back some surveys that do suggest that Western Ukrainians and Eastern Ukrainians actually don't visit each other or understand each other all that well. Travel used to be much more common, even in the Soviet period, East to West. As time has passed in independent Ukraine, they've grown more and more isolated from each other.
One of the consequences of that is the degree of violence, even extending down to real barbarism, against your political foes that one has seen in recent events.
DAVID SPEEDIE: A somber observation on which to end, Nicolai, that much of this is indigenous to Ukraine, that the role of external actors is exaggerated.
The main point today is that we're delighted to hear you safe and sound, and that life goes on somewhat normally in Odessa. Long may be that continue for you.
NICOLAI PETRO: We'll hope for the best for tomorrow. It's VE Day here.
DAVID SPEEDIE: Oh, yes.
NICOLAI PETRO: Some people are predicting unrest. But we will all hope for the best.
DAVID SPEEDIE: We do, too. It's always a great pleasure and privilege to hear from you. Your commentary is excellent--incisive and to the point. We wish you all best. We will be back in contact e'er long.
NICOLAI PETRO: Thank you.
DAVID SPEEDIE: Thank you so much, Nicolai.
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