Ukrainian opposition focuses on 2015 election as protests wane
Source: Reuters
(Reuters) - Tacitly acknowledging that street protests would not topple Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, one of his leading rivals told demonstrators on Sunday that the opposition would steer the country back towards Europe after winning the next election in 2015.
Tens of thousands of people gathered on Kiev's Independence Square for what has become a weekly event since late November, when Yanukovich's government refused to sign an association agreement with the European Union and turned instead to Russia for an economic rescue package.
The turnout was visibly lower than last week, when it was estimated at about 100,000, as many Ukrainians were busy preparing for the New Year holidays and the Ukrainian Orthodox Christmas, which is celebrated on January 7.
The falling numbers have eased the pressure on the government, which is pressing ahead with forging closer ties with Russia, having secured a $15 billion bailout package from Moscow and a discount on vital Russian gas supplies.
Read more: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/12/29/uk-ukraine-idUKBRE9BS06M20131229
The "opposition" seek a path anticipated to require $200 billion in investment over the next 7 years to cover their alternative preferences with no likely sources for that investment.
