Maciej Olchawa's Mission Ukraine provides an insightful and meticulous analysis of two decades of Aleksander Kwasniewski's role in the European integration of Ukraine. First, Kwasniewski played a key role in finding a peaceful solution to the political crisis during the Orange Revolution, where I had the privilege of being with him. Then, together with Pat Cox, he fostered Ukraine's European aspirations as the EU's special envoy. Mission Ukraine lures the reader backstage and offers a fast-paced narrative of a fascinating game of diplomatic and political intrigue."" - Javier Solana, Secretary General of NATO (1995-1999), EU's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (1999-2009)<br /><br />""Maciej Olchawa's excellent book expertly analyzes Putin Russia's role in growing East-West tensions and serves as an indispensable guide to the key geopolitical challenges facing Ukraine and its Western allies at a time of global uncertainty."" - Alexander J. Motyl, Rutgers University<br /><br />""The histories of Poland and Ukraine have been closely intertwined for centuries. In 1917, both tried to shake off Russia's oppressive rule. Poland succeeded, Ukraine did not and remained under Moscow's rule until 1991. While Poland moved firmly to join the EU, Ukraine stumbled until the Revolution 2014 finally said no to Moscow and yes to Europe. This well written and cogently argued book is an anatomy of the Ukrainian revolution and a man who shared the Ukrainian aspirations and helped guide it towards Europe, Poland's former President Aleksander Kwasniewski."" - Michael Khodarkovsky, Loyola University Chicago
The Cox-Kwasniewski mission was part of the EU's final, all-out effort to save the Agreement and give millions of Ukrainians the hope of a European future. After an intricate political game of chicken between the European Union and Victor Yanukovych, the Ukrainian president, Yanukovych swerved at the last second. Ukrainians took to the streets and the wave of civil unrest was born.
Preface
Introduction: The Most Influential Lobbyist of Ukraine in the World
I. Ukraine in Aleksander Kwaśniewski’s Geopolitical Strategy
II. The European Union’s Special Envoy to Ukraine
III. “Russia Won’t Stop”: The Russian Factor in the Disintegration of Ukraine
IV. The West’s Strategy
Epilogue: In the Center of the Whirlwind
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index