The distance separating Ukraine and Belarus from Europe

Moscow-born journalist Sonja Margolina criticises the attitude of Belarussians and Ukrainians who claim Europe has betrayed them, as expressed by the Ukrainian author Juri Andruchovitch and Polish author Andrzej Stasiuk. "Those who are calling for help must at least admit that there are many who have received it, but those who have managed to gain entry to the EU – like the Czechs, the Poles, the Hungarians and the Baltic peoples – did most of the work themselves. No amount of help from abroad or advice from strangers can save you the trouble of having to bring a new elite into power, of building up modern institutions and of creating new mental foundations for your nation."

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