Many have recently asked how the Ukrainian election turmoil is affecting us. The election has affected us, but our perspective is probably quite different from that of other Americans across the country. The area in which we live is very pro-Russia and for the candidate declared the winner in the election, partly because he is from this area. We are also simply closer to Russia and there are more Russian nationals living in this area. (Russian is spoken predominantly here, in contrast to areas of western Ukraine where most people speak Ukrainian). There are no election protesters here, no one wearing orange, which stands for the other candidate. In general, Americans (and Westerners in general) have gotten a bad reputation here because our government poked its nose into Ukraine’s business and declared the Ukrainian election fraudulent. Thus, we make a concerted effort to keep our voices down in public (to not be heard speaking English) and try to blend in as much as possible. Everyone at the university has been very supportive and is always looking out for us. We are very happy to have such a community surrounding us, especially now during our adjustment time. Things are also quieter now that the Supreme Court has voted to hold new elections on December 26, so everything seems to be on hold. The Parliament passed new regulations on elections so the next election will be less corrupt, but has also passed new laws that give less power to the president and more to the Parliament.
Laura
