2015 was the year of dashed hopes and dissipated illusions for Ukraine. Some Ukrainians pinned hopes on the Maidan protests and the policy of European integration. Others cherished a dream that the political regime of homegrown fascism would suffer crushing defeat. Now it has become clear that all these hopes and aspirations have failed to materialize. The only thing that one can say with confidence is that the future of Ukraine is absolutely unpredictable…

Contrary to what polls and forecasts had said, Andrzej Duda, a conservative opposition candidate, won the first round of voting in Poland’s presidential election leaving incumbent President Bronislaw Komorowski behind… It makes some experts believe he’ll concentrate on improving living standards while being more cautious talking to the Kremlin and Ukraine’s President Poroshenko. Others believe that as an inveterate Russophobe Duda will strictly comply with the Washington’s instructions. He’ll boost the support for Kiev and the military operations conducted by Ukrainian military in the eastern part of the country… And it goes without saying that Washington is not to expect any surprises as it is watching the change of decorations on the Polish political scene…