On August 13, 2016 the Independent re-issued an article by Matthew Nitch Smith “The 16 countries with the worst reputation in the world” claiming that “racism and xenophobia constitute problems in Ukraine” and that “over the summer there were large protests in Kiev against President Viktor Yanukovych over allegations of corruption”.
I am deeply surprised and concerned by such incorrect and misleading information. Let me remind the honourable author that Viktor Yanukovych is NOT a president of Ukraine, he fled to Russia two years ago, and that there were NO any unrests in Kyiv this summer or last summer. Moreover, NONE of international intergovernmental organizations ever raised any issue of racism and xenophobia as a problem pertaining to Ukraine.
I believe that any release by authoritative media which the Independent claims to be of any information concerning reputation of a person or entity should be preceded by careful examination at least of facts as well as by evaluation of possible consequences.
In this regard I would like to draw the attention of the Independent to the recent comments made by the UK Foreign Secretary Mr. Johnson on August 12, 2016 who praised the Ukrainian Government for its reform programme and pledged further UK support in this endeavour.