I had one companion. He was a teacher from the Ukraine who spoke English so we could communicate a bit. I learnt a few Russian words but it was hard to concentrate.

I know the Russian political elite has got used to the Ukraine suffering from an inferiority complex but I want this to disappear from our relationship.

As long as the opposition believes the world will stand with Ukraine's democrat reformers they will have the leverage and the courage to establish a legitimate republic under the leadership of Viktor Yushchenko.