Ukraine in Obama's 2015 State of the Union Address and some reflections on it

Two days ago, on January 20th, Barack Obama gave his annual State of the Union Address in which he announced his plans for his last two years in office. The president discussed improved economic situation, talked about education and cyber safety and proposed new taxations for Wall Street companies. Moreover, he discussed some important international conflicts and commented on the situation in Ukraine in his speech.

 "We’re demonstrating the power of American strength and diplomacy.  We’re upholding the principle that bigger nations can’t bully the small -- by opposing Russian aggression, and supporting Ukraine’s democracy, and reassuring our NATO allies", Obama said.

 Also the president mentioned sanctions that were imposed on Russia by American and EU governments in order to support Ukraine. He compared Russian and American economic situation and their definitions of strength.

"Last year, as we were doing the hard work of imposing sanctions along with our allies, as we were reinforcing our presence with frontline states, Mr. Putin’s aggression it was suggested was a masterful display of strategy and strength.  That's what I heard from some folks.  Well, today, it is America that stands strong and united with our allies, while Russia is isolated with its economy in tatters.  That’s how America leads -- not with bluster, but with persistent, steady resolve", President added.

 The speech showed that Obama believes in the power of diplomacy and negotiations more than in weapon. He spoke about withdrawal of the US troops in Afghanistan and reduction of armed forces in Iraq as a great achievement. However, these words in a way disappointed Ukrainians who waited for the US Army to interfere into the war on the East of Ukraine.

 American president tries to be a peacemaker and I admire it. I really do. Nevertheless, day by day I hear about more and more soldiers, civilians, women and children getting killed. At such moments I and many other Ukrainians, so desperately wish American or NATO forces to land in Eastern Ukraine and help us to win this war. 

We believe in peace. We proved it during our revolutions and Crimea crisis. But sometimes, forgive me Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King for saying so, peace just doesn't work.