Sergei Kupriyanov, Gazprom's spokesman, shocked Ukrainians and other Europeans on Oct. 2 when he declared that Ukraine owed Gazprom $1.3 billion and threatened that unless this debt was paid by the end of October, gas deliveries to Ukraine would be reduced.

Ukraine should follow the Western example of forming party lists on the basis of preliminary elections in order to make its political parties "more effective and democratic", according to Natalia Shapovalova of the International Centre for Policy Studies in Kyiv.

Ukraine’s parliamentary elections on September 30 are unlikely to bring overwhelming victories for either the “orange” camp of Our Ukraine-Self Defense and the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc or the “blue” camp of the Party of Regions. Ukraine’s regional and linguistic divide makes such a landslide unlikely; instead, both camps will remain in the 45-55% range. Nevertheless, there are trends that do reflect changes in electoral geography and voter intentions.

The absurd, partisan-instigated problems with registering BYUT candidates by the Central Election Committee proves that, this time, Yanukovich is prepared to do anything to remain in power.

"Democratization will not be what it used to be and it is time to face up to it."

Repeatedly, the only manner in which those who disagree with my views respond by saying that I do not know Ukraine because I do not live there.

Viktor Yushchenko has dissolved parliament and called new elections.

The United States has long been the most engaged Western country in Ukraine; this level of involvement has only increased since Viktor Yushchenko was elected president. Yet, little information is made public about activities pertaining to Ukraine in Washington. Little is reported in most Ukrainian American, American or Ukrainian media on these regular, if not daily, developments.

"This April, we are planning to hold a national conference consisting of a wide variety lectures, films and panel discussions relating to contemporary Ukrainian issues and the role of Ukrainian students. Along with the conference we will be holding a summit of SUSTA leaders in order to have elections for the next governing board and to further expand the organization."