Better Days in Iran-Ukraine relations
By Hassan Beheshtipour
Finally, Viktor Yanukovych, the antagonist of Ukraine’s 2004 Orange Revolution seized power after defeating long-time
rival Yulia Tymoshenko. How will Iran-Ukraine relations develop with a pro-Russia president in office?
Ukraine’s relations with Iran during Yushchenko’s terms were pegged to the bond between Kiev and Washington. This did not come as a surprise to Iranians who knew well about this pro-West leader whose wife was an American citizen.
Staying far from all the heat and enthusiasm, from the beginning it was clear that ‘Orange Revolution’ failed to describe clearly the 2004 developments in Ukraine.
No genuine revolution took place in this former Soviet republic as the only thing changed was the administration. No fundamental changes, in constitution or other powers, was supposed took place. It was merely the replacement of a pro-Russia government with a pro-West government. The tide has changed its course today, and after six years, a pro-Russia figure has come to power.
So does this mean that the West has lost its influence in Ukraine? I don’t think so. It continues to be a powerful actor in Ukrainian politics. Ukraine in 2010 is much different from what it was six years ago. There is a clear distinction and transparency regarding the role of institutions such as the parliament, executive, political parties and pressure groups. Democracy has substantially progressed in Ukraine today.
The relations between Kiev and Tehran haven’t been as strong as one may think. However, rise of a government in the former Soviet republic which maintains a critical stance towards West will naturally reinforce Iran’s position as one of the prominent anti-West states. Thus, we can look forward to better days between Kiev and Tehran during Yanukovych’s presidency.
Iran of course was interested in expanding ties with Yushchenko’s administration, but in accord with his pro-West leanings, Yushchenko clearly lagged behind Iran. Viktor Yanukovych and his team could be more receptive towards the idea of closer relations, although we should not repose excessive hope. Both sides will test the waters and assess many aspects with regard to national interests before taking steps forward.
rival Yulia Tymoshenko. How will Iran-Ukraine relations develop with a pro-Russia president in office?
Ukraine’s relations with Iran during Yushchenko’s terms were pegged to the bond between Kiev and Washington. This did not come as a surprise to Iranians who knew well about this pro-West leader whose wife was an American citizen.
Staying far from all the heat and enthusiasm, from the beginning it was clear that ‘Orange Revolution’ failed to describe clearly the 2004 developments in Ukraine.
No genuine revolution took place in this former Soviet republic as the only thing changed was the administration. No fundamental changes, in constitution or other powers, was supposed took place. It was merely the replacement of a pro-Russia government with a pro-West government. The tide has changed its course today, and after six years, a pro-Russia figure has come to power.
So does this mean that the West has lost its influence in Ukraine? I don’t think so. It continues to be a powerful actor in Ukrainian politics. Ukraine in 2010 is much different from what it was six years ago. There is a clear distinction and transparency regarding the role of institutions such as the parliament, executive, political parties and pressure groups. Democracy has substantially progressed in Ukraine today.
The relations between Kiev and Tehran haven’t been as strong as one may think. However, rise of a government in the former Soviet republic which maintains a critical stance towards West will naturally reinforce Iran’s position as one of the prominent anti-West states. Thus, we can look forward to better days between Kiev and Tehran during Yanukovych’s presidency.
Iran of course was interested in expanding ties with Yushchenko’s administration, but in accord with his pro-West leanings, Yushchenko clearly lagged behind Iran. Viktor Yanukovych and his team could be more receptive towards the idea of closer relations, although we should not repose excessive hope. Both sides will test the waters and assess many aspects with regard to national interests before taking steps forward.