Ukraine has been a multiparty democracy since 1991.
Main Political Issues
Economic reform
Western and central Ukraine are generally more in favor of economic reform than the eastern regions, which prefer continued support for their subsidy-dependent economy. This division was illustrated by the strong showing of the communist and socialist parties in eastern regions in the 1994 elections.
Relations with Russia
Western Ukrainians are vehement in their opposition to closer ties with Russia, while such ties are supported by their eastern counterparts. In a referendum in March 1994, citizens in the Donetsk region voted for closer links with the CIS, and in favor of introducing Russian as a joint official language. Likewise, in Crimea, voters have demanded dual Russianû Ukrainian citizenship and closer economic integration.
Potential destabilization
Some commentators fear that the growing antagonism between nationalist and anti-nationalist groups could spark a civil war. Conflict could arise in Crimea, which is dominated by ethnic Russians. In 1994, the Crimean parliament issued another declaration of independence from Kiev. Kiev responded with an ultimatum, but failed to act on its threat. The situation remains unresolved. Tension is rising in other regions with large Russian minorities, such as the Donbass.
Profile
Ukraine has yet to develop a strong democratic party system. Individuals û generally local potentates, such as enterprise directors or collective farm chairmen û are very influential. Around 30 parties competed in the 1994 elections, while more than half of the candidates ran as independents. The dominant figure in politics from 1990 to 1994 was Leonid Kravchuk. He became President at independence in 1991, but was ousted in the 1994 presidential elections by Leonid Kuchma.
