Fate of Europe lies with Ukraine vote

Sunday’s election is crucial for Ukraine but there are hopes it will also encourage a more democratic Russia, writes Carl Bildt

When Ukraine’s voters go to the polls on Sunday not only the fate of their country will be at stake; so will the future of a significant part of Europe. The future of Ukraine will decide the future of Russia, and the future of Russia will have an impact on the future of Europe.

When the Soviet Union collapsed more than two decades ago, and Ukraine opted for independence, many expected the country to do better than Russia in the years to come.