German President Angela Merkel has set off on a day trip to Ukraine. The trip concerned the matter of Ukraine's progress toward western integration: to whit, NATO and EU membership. Merkel promised that on some bright sunny day in the indeterminate, but, rest assured, sooner rather than later future, when Russia doesn't hold Europe by the throat like Darth Vader because of our dependence on its oil and natural gas resources, Ukraine will become a member of NATO. Beginning in December. Honest. They just need to work out a few minor details: "Ukraine will have to upgrade its Soviet-style army in line with Western military standards, fight corruption and promote civil society." Oh, and they have to work out a long-term oil and gas deal with Big Brother to the north. That's all.
Merkel was also in Kyiv to talk up the upcoming EU-Ukraine Summit this September in France. And while the Stabilization and Association Agreement on trade is likely to be a key step forward in the accession process, it should not be misunderstood as being a key step in the accession process. So taking the day to get out and about before the Obama Magical World Tour comes to her town, Merkel probably accomplished as much in Kyiv as Obama will in Berlin.
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