Changing power games

The Western stance on Ukraine's recent public protests shows that although the Cold War ended many years ago there is still a strong sentiment in the West for countries such as Ukraine to choose between the West and Russia.

No country is willing to live amid tense military confrontation, and the strategy of major powers to force smaller ones to take sides will eventually backfire, said a People's Daily commentary on Monday.

In the massive protests taking place across Ukraine, some hope Ukraine will draw closer to the European Union while others believe the country should take a practical approach when handling business ties with other countries and not take sides with either the EU or Russia.