Updates on Ukraine and Rep. Georgia

Several reports have come in on efforts to help both Ukraine and the Republic of Georgia continue to move forward, but both cases bring additional concerns in the process.

Ukraine has signed a Strategic Partnership with the U.S.A., similar to the agreements reached with the Baltic States to help prepare them for NATO membership a few years back. However, that may all come to naught as the Government of Ukraine can not seem to cease its ongoing fratricidal political problems.

The Rep. of Georgia is coming to terms, finally, with just how many problems it has, militarily, and how best to begin restructuring its defense, but to do so they will need time and guarantees of support. Not intending to allow anything that would give such breathing space, Russia is attempting to get the OSCE observer mission in Georgia curtailed. The plan seems to be to interfere with mission renewal (needed after 31.December), and to continue to obstruct observer activities. The OSCE mission has yet to gain any real access to the rebel territory of South Ossetia, for example.

Heck of a time to be worried about politics and cronyism, folks. Perhaps a large sign is needed in both countries' offices of government: DO NOT FEED THE BEAR.