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Once again, cynicism failed in Ukraine. Ukrainians voted last month in the first presidential election since the Orange Revolution. They did so after a year of grave hardship brought on by the global financial and economic crisis. Yet some 60 per cent of voters still backed pro-democracy candidates. That super-majority of support demonstrates beyond doubt that, despite press reports to the contrary, the hopes born in the snow of Kyiv five years ago endure.

Of course, those who opposed the Orange Revolution - indeed, who continue to oppose it - do not see things this way. They campaign on a promise to turn back the clock. Forget about reform and democratic norms, they argue, just let us manage the country as we see fit and prosperity will be restored....