Tuas matérias são excelentes porem noto que deixou de postar algo de bom para nós que te assitem com carinho.
Espero que estejas bem e que oportunamente volte a postar algo de novo.

beijos

Atenciosamente

Ronaldo Balbacch

São Paulo – SP, Brasil, 22 de dezembro de 2009

I do not foresee Russia ‘attacking’ Ukraine, except for maybe economically. Crimea would be the only part of Ukraine that Russian wants, and most people in Crimea would be be very happy to join Russia anyway (need I remind you of the anti-NATO protests in Feodosiya a few years ago? or the protests in favor of Russian-speaking schools?).

As a Russian-Ukrainian, I most certainly agree that all of us should co-exist in mutual respect in harmony. In reality, it is highly unlikely, at least as long as the divide between Eastern and Western Ukraine is not bridged.

In neighboring Rivne oblast, where I’m a frequent visitor, they play Russian songs in cafes just fine. In fact, my childhood friends there listen to Russian rock bands like Чайф and Ленинград, having worked at construction sites in Russia.

Should Russia attack Ukraine, my friends will certainly defend their native land.

So why not be good neighbors? Can’t we respect each other’s culture, language and independence?

On the one hand, it is good to have an outlet like that, with healthy competition and voting, and all the intrigues. On the other hand, too much drama can promote hatred. This is why I disapproved of Georgia’s entry and supported Russia’s decision to choose a Ukrainian singer to represent it. Let’s hope that it will be fun and funny this year, not sad and upsetting.