NEWSLINK: Kiev crisis reminds Russians of what could have been; Kiev crisis seen as a coup attempt of radicals egged on by the west

[“Kiev crisis reminds Russians of what could have been; Kiev crisis seen as a coup attempt of radicals egged on by the west” – Financial Times – Kathrin Hille – Moscow – February 20, 2014 – ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/58dce628-997e-11e3-b3a2-00144feab7de.html]

The Financial Times examines Russian reactions to the crisis in Ukraine, including bias favoring the Ukrainian government:

Since the very beginning of the street protests in Kiev, Russia’s tame media in general, and its state-controlled television in particular, have been showing the Russian public images of chaos and violence while remaining largely silent about protesters’ peaceful demands and the complex political landscape in Ukraine.

Footage of the clashes in Kiev features violence on both sides, but Russian state television continues to focus on victims among the security forces, confirming most Russians’ dismissive attitude towards the protests.

The chaos in Ukraine has awakened a latent contempt for a country that many Russians struggle to recognise as a fully independent nation.

After some of the challenges following the collapse of the Soviet Union, some Russians crave stability, and might have their fears of instability played upon by their perceptions of events in Ukraine:

In particular, for those who experienced the breakdown of the Soviet Union and the stormy 1990s – a period marked by political infighting, food shortages and rampant inflation – a quiet, safe life is more important than anything else.

These are the people who, although more critical of corruption and economic stagnation, keep electing Mr Putin because they cherish stability. Ukraine reminds them of what could have been.

An opinion poll conducted before the latest upsurge in violence shows that Russians were already becoming more sceptical about the Ukrainian protests. Disinterest had given way to bewilderment, irritation and resentment.

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