A politically stable Ukraine at peace with its neighbours is essential for European security. This study analyzes the most frequently voiced concerns in Europe over Ukraine's independence: the evolution of democracy, the potential of ethnic Russian-based anti-independence mobilization, and the troubled Ukrainian-Russian relationship. After outlining the main political developments in Ukraine since 1991 the author discusses two potential challenges: the standing of anti-democratic political forces and the possibility of military
involvement in politics. He assesses the likelihood of...