Not even Western cash may be able to avert new government's implosion
WND
WASHINGTON – With Russian troops from its base in the Crimea effectively occupying the Crimean Peninsula, the Western-backed central government in Kyiv at the same time is facing a further challenge of economic default by the end of March that could threaten its survival, according to regional analysts.
The interim government led by opposition leader Arsenniy Yatsenyuk as prime minister had taken over power from ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, who is hiding out in Moscow.
Putin initially had offered Ukraine a $15-billion loan along with major price cuts for Russian natural gas deliveries if Yanukovych joined Putin’s customs-free Eurasian Union as opposed to the European Union.
The European Unoin, however, couldn’t begin to match Putin’s concessions. Consequently, Yanukovych decided to side with Putin, which prompted the western part of Ukraine to erupt into protest demonstrations.
The demonstrations led to a takeover of government buildings in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. An interim government was created with the blessing of the Ukrainian parliament, forcing out Yanukovych.
Putin ultimately suspended the $15-billion loan.
Now, the country is about to default and promised loans from the European Union and even the United States not only will not be forthcoming in time, but any amount being considered won’t be sufficient to avoid default.
The International Monetary Fund, or IMF, has sent in a delegation to Kyiv to consider some form of emergency financial assistance.
The prospect of a default, coupled with not only the $15 billion in Russian aid, but also Moscow’s refusal to cut natural gas prices will make necessary the need for even more financial assistance.
Reposted with permission
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