Excerpt:
'Post-revolutionary Ukraine failed at launching crucial reforms' - this is what almost all foreign media will tell you these days. They use this line so often that it has become an essential part of almost every draft for reporting on Ukraine. However, while there is some truth to the statement, it is mostly incorrect.
It would be too patronizing to blame foreign newsrooms for simplifying Ukrainian stories to the point of non-informative clichés, as volatile developments in the country of the last two years are confusing even for the local public. The reason we struggle to get a clear picture of the reforms is that Ukraine is still in the process of massive revolution.
This ends our live blogging for June 30. Be sure to check back tomorrow for our continuing coverage.
Putin Vows To React To NATO Buildup But Avoid Costly Arms Race
By RFE/RL
NATO's military buildup near Russia's borders has thrown off the balance of forces there, President Vladimir Putin said, vowing to respond without getting into a costly arms race.
NATO has revealed its anti-Russian intentions by deploying forces in Poland and the Baltics and building missile-defense sites there, Putin told a gathering of Russian diplomats in Moscow on June 30.
"All that is aimed at undermining a military parity that has formed over decades," he said.
NATO has rotated weapons and troops to reassure its eastern members worried about Russia because of its aggression in Ukraine.
Russia views NATO's missile shield, in particular, as a top security threat and has plans to create three new divisions in its southwest region to counter the buildup.
Putin said that Russia will "react adequately" to NATO without being drawn into an expensive arms race.
"We don't intend to give in to this militaristic frenzy, but it seems that is what they are pushing us to, to provoke a costly and pointless arms race," he said.
"This will not happen. But we will also not be weak. We will always be able to defend ourselves reliably."