The New York Times: Ukraine's Slow Collapse

The New York Times: Ukraine's Slow Collapse

Campbell Dorsett, 5W

1. What is the editorial's central claim?  The editorial expressed the poor shape that Ukraine is in currently.  Although there was a cease-fire signed between Russia and Ukraine in September, Russian tanks are still entering into Eastern Ukraine.  There is much violence, and many Ukrainians living in the east are being cut off by the government. The editorial's main claim is that the International Money Fund has provided some aid to Ukraine; however, the United States and European Union do not want to commit anymore money until the country shows a clear reform plan.

2. What us a significant piece of evidence used to support the claim?  The editorial shares that the US and EU believe that officials in Ukraine, like President Poroshenko and Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, need to take more responsibility for their country.  Ever since Ukraine became independent, it has been plagued by corrupt leaders; these leaders have the responsibility to stop this cycle.  The evidence that the author uses to show the bad state that Ukraine is in are from its economy and industry.  First, Ukraine's currency has lost half its value against the dollar.  Also, Ukraine's coal mines and industrial centers have been shut down by separatists.

3. What is your opinion of the claim?  I believe its a smart choice to hold out on overloading the country with aid until they have a proper plan for reform. However, leaving the country feeling possible neglected and abandoned feels unethical.