Vladimir Rozanskij

The meeting between the Pope and the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill has been eagerly desired for quite some time. Expected under John Paul II; hoped for with Benedict XVI, it has taken time to realize. Catholics and Orthodox face the same challenges of persecution and relativism. Orthodox nationalism, backed by Putin, causes some reticence. The Middle East crisis and risk of Russia’s isolation fosters collaboration.

The end of the Soviet Union led to idea that the West and democracy had won. However, the Ukrainian conflict proves otherwise. Although the pope's words on post-communist economic injustices are right, they have boosted Russians' belief that they are the "last bastion" against the ruin that Western capitalism will inevitably inflict. For them, their apocalyptic fate is inexorably tied to what will happen on the Ukrainian border.

Ongoing fighting between Ukrainian and rebel forces is compounded by divisions and clashes among Orthodox Christians and Churches tied to Moscow, Kyiv and Constantinople, as well as Greek and Latin Catholics loyal to the pope of Rome. In one of Europe's most Christian nations, such "metaphysical parochialism" sees bishops and priests bless their "own" militias and cannons.

The United States and European sanctions and Russian counter-sanctions damage the economy on both sides. The shortage of gas in Ukraine and in the pro-Russian areas will test ideological leanings. The signs of the end of globalization, with the growth of localism, the risk of the West’s demise and religious fundamentalism.

The NATO summit prepares to deploy weapons and military to the East-European border; Russia is isolated and increasingly allied with Asia and the non-West. The globalized era comes to an end with a return to divisions along military, economic and political lines which in reality are convenient to everyone. The Ukrainian question holds the destiny of the world.

Priests and faithful of the different Churches are attacked by pro-Russian or pro-Ukrainian groups. The Greek-catholic accused of fomenting Ukrainian separatism. The religious and political hegemonic aims of the Patriarchate and Moscow.

The ‘king of chocolate’ won with 54%; the so-called "fascists" took only 0.9%: the "Ukrainian Spring" is not just a "terrorist operation supported by the CIA". But the elections, openly democratic, are not everything: amid the clamor of European Union economics and the pro-Russian fold, there are groups and people who want to be heard.

The favorite for the presidency is the tycoon and former oligarch Petro Poroshenko, who has worked with Timoshenko and later Janoukovich . The urgent need to begin a dialogue with Russia and propose some form of autonomy for the Ukrainian regions . The prophecy of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn on resurgent nationalism . Putin must negotiate with the outgoing president , after bravado over the Crimea .

Clashes continue between the Ukrainian army and pro-Russian forces in the east of the country. Moscow declares a "humanitarian catastrophe" and the risks to peace in Europe; Kiev blames "terrorists" for trying to overthrow the government. No one understands that the Ukrainian people are trying to affirm themselves, while the international community fumbles from a distance.

Kirill not present for Putin's great speech to the Duma. While Russia follows in the footsteps of the empire of Ivan the Terrible, the Orthodox Churches of Ukraine are pushed towards autonomy by Moscow. The Moscow Patriarchate risks being a minority in the next pan-Orthodox Council.

As Vladimir Putin and the United States increasingly threaten each other and the Crimea and Kyiv slam each other, the former oligarch shows understanding for both Ukrainians and Russians. Political and military perspectives should leave room for people-to-people talks.

The Ukrainian territory has always been fought over and occupied by Poles, Mongols, Russians. Tsar Putin’s claims too great, the European Union’s proposals too empty, the United States’ proclamations too confusing. The demise of ideologies and grand schemes and the emergence of people power.