From a friend in Kiev

Got an email from a buddy who is actually in Kiev, Ukraine. Fascinating story on the presidential elections if you haven't followed it. At any rate, here is his report on the situation:

"2 million in the streets protesting! Yushchenko took the oath as President symbolically in the Parliament yesterday and marched with 500,000 people to Bankova Street to meet with Kuchma. Kuchma is negotiation with the opposition. However there are 800 russian special forces inside the presidential administration guarding Kuchma. Can you imagine German SS guarding the White House? UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

"The size of the protest grows each day. The Klitchko brothers and Ruslana are speaking for Yushchenko today. Vaclav Havel, Mikhail Saakashvili and Gorbachev all support Yushchenko. The White House warned the Central Election Commission NOT to certify (announce) the final results. The Russian Ambassador to the US was summoned to the State Department and reprimanded for Putin's early congratulations to Yanukovych. Putin then immediately changed his statement and denied congratulating Yanukovych.

"Last night we marched on the Prez Administration and faced down 2 water cannons. When they saw the crowd they immediately withdraw. Then the regular police withdrew as well. Unbelievable! Army units in western Ukraine have sworn allegiance to Yushchenko. Situation is volatile and changing by the moment.

"Viva Revolution!!!"

Indeed, my friend. Stay safe. Budma!