Publication

This publication discusses the dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Marchuk by President Leonid Kuchma for irregularities at a munitions recycling plant. The author argues that his dismissal is more likely due to the Kuchma's desire to have a loyalist in charge of the Defense Ministry before forthcoming elections. The publication concludes that an opportunity to bring Ukraine closer to the West was missed because NATO did not implement the Membership Action Plan quickly enough. This has also allowed Russia to increase its political and economic influence in Ukraine.