[aaus-list] Reactions of Ukrainian and Russian leaders to Obama victory

[Walter R Iwaskiw]

In Ukraine, where Obama will confront a region where Russia is playing
an increasingly assertive role, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko called
Obama's victory "an inspiration for us. That which appeared impossible
has become possible." 

-- Kevin Sullivan, "Around the World, Praise for Obama," The Washington
Post, Nov. 5, 2008

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/05/AR2008110502053.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2008110403463&s_pos=


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The New York Times
November 6, 2008
Russia Warns of Missile Deployment 
By ELLEN BARRY and SOPHIA KISHKOVSKY

MOSCOW - In a wide-ranging attack on the United States as it elected a
new president, the Russian leader Dmitri A. Medvedev warned on Wednesday
that Moscow might deploy short-range missiles in the Baltic region to
counter a perceived threat from a proposed American missile defense
shield in Eastern Europe.

Mr. Medvedev also proposed to extend the constitutional term of the
presidency from four years to six - a move that could enable future
Russian presidents to serve 12 years in two consecutive terms. His
remarks, in his first state of the nation address since assuming the
presidency in May, were delivered within hours of the election of Barack
Obama and offered a chilling glimpse into the potential issues and
tensions confronting the new American leader when he takes office in
January. His comments also seemed at odds with the broader groundswell
of support for the American president-elect from many governments across
the globe.

In his speech, Mr. Medvedev did not congratulate Mr. Obama on his
victory, saying only that he hoped that “our partners - the new U.S.
administration - will make a choice in favor of a full-fledged
relationship with Russia.”

(...)

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/06/world/europe/06russia.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin