Ukraine Black Balled by EU

Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko said March 7 after a meeting with President Lech Kaczynski in Płock, "Ukraine is counting on Poland's active support in its talks with the European Union."

The Polish president called it a meeting of "strategic partners and allies." Yushchenko stressed that the most important thing for Ukraine was active dialogue over the coming months on winning support for the country's entry into the EU. A new mandate adopted by EU member states in January makes no mention of Ukraine's EU accession. Poland, supported by Britain, Sweden and Hungary, insisted that the talks on the new agreement should highlight the fact that the door to the EU was open to Ukraine, but to no avail.

Given the climate of change in Russia recently, it would appear, a priori, that putting Ukraine firmly in the EU column would be a strategic step for the common wealth and security of Europe.

I can understand hesitation regarding Turkey by some EU countries, but Ukraine? Gimme a break.