A bailout for Ukrainians, by Ukrainians?

[bemildred]

Privatization after the Soviet Union's breakup led to a class of fabulously wealthy oligarchs. Now let them come to the aid of their country.

Like the reigns of many corrupt leaders, that of Viktor Yanukovich ended in farce. But there's nothing farcical about Ukraine's situation.

Russian troops have taken over its Crimean region, and President Vladimir Putin this week said that Russia "reserves the right to use all means at our disposal to protect" Russian-speakers in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the country Yanukovich left behind is broke and close to default after he, his family and his cronies looted it during the three years he was president. His son, a dentist, somehow increased his wealth to an estimated $510 million during his father's truncated term, according to Forbes Ukraine.

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/commentary/la-oe-breslin-ukraine-economy-oligarchs-20140307,0,2692580.story

[Lasher]

1. I've got a simple idea.

Folks in Crimea seem to want to go with Russia, right? Well Ukraine could sell Crimea to Russia. They should be able to wipe out their debt and have plenty left over.

Why wouldn't that work?

[Jefferson23]

2. Over 500 million dollars..and that was just his son..horrendous. n/t

[SunSeeker]

3. Wow. What a bunch of Kleptocrats! nt

[newthinking]

4. Though Yanukovich was tops in this, it is endemic in Ukraine, including Western Politicians

[bemildred]

5. It's peanuts, really. And it's pretty much everywhere. nt