Now the Parliament rules without any representation from the majority party, since most of the deputies from the east and south of the country are afraid to set foot in Parliament. And all across the country, headquarters of parties are being sacked by their opponents. There are serious doubts whether the elections scheduled for May 25 will be fair and free.

As the new "government grapples with imminent economic collapse and separatism," the United States and Britain are trying to ease tensions over Ukraine, claiming it should not be a battleground between the East and West. British Foreign Secretary William Hague declared "We want to send our strong support for the territorial integrity and unity of Ukraine." What they really want is to consolidate what they have gained. The United States and the EU want the International Monetary Fund to help Ukraine avoid economic collapse, and try to set up a donors' conference for European countries to raise funding for Ukraine.

Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev said interim authorities in Kiev had conducted an "armed mutiny." The Russian Foreign Ministry accused interim leaders of passing laws aimed at infringing the humanitarian rights of Russians and other ethnic groups. Russia has recalled its ambassador to Ukraine for consultation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the EU and United States not to try to shape Ukraine's future.

With deep ties to Ukraine, Russia can afford to wait and see what will happen next. According to the BBC, Professor Andrei Zagorski, a political analyst at Moscow's Institute of World Economy and International relations, is examining the Kremlin's policy options in the current crisis. Moscow's primary focus could be to support the emergence of new political leaders with nationwide appeal who could replace Yanukovych's demoralized Party of Regions, particularly in eastern Ukraine. They could then challenge the interim authorities.

In a report by the Guardian, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an immediate test of combat readiness of troops in central and eastern Russia in a move that will dramatically elevate fears of a separatist threat in Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Shoigu said that has nothing to do with the situation in Ukraine.

Let us watch what happens in Act III.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/zhaojinglun.htm

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