Ukraine is descending deeper into political turmoil. The country has been battered by scandals that are alleged to reach as far as President Leonid Kuchma. The country's most popular politician, Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko, was booted from office last month when he lost a no-confidence vote in Parliament. Following the breakup of the Soviet Union, the West had high hopes for Ukraine's future. The country has squandered many opportunities since then, but it is too important to be ignored. Engagement can change Ukraine's future.
Mr. Yushchenko is a reformer. His 16-month old government, considered by many to be the best in Ukraine's decade of post-Soviet independence, is a threat to the vested interests -- Communists and big business -- that control much of the power and the economy. In recent weeks, they have found an ally in Mr. Kuchma, and together the two groups managed to oust the prime minister in a move that brought thousands of protesters into the streets.
Mr. Kuchma is the key to Ukraine's future. The former Soviet apparatchik was formerly allied with his prime minister, but the two men grew apart. Their diverging fortunes contributed to the split. When voters are asked to name their most popular political leaders, the prime minister tops the polls; the president is at the bottom.