From a "lurker" familiar with the region banks in the Ukraine are restricting bank withdrawals to the local equivalent of US$150, apparently the banks explain the government considers itself at "war".

They also mention that there is a distinct gap educationally between eastern and western Ukraine - with the majority Russian-speaking east being better educated. This was explained by the different local demand for education, the east being far more industrialized and since 1990 looking to export. The Ukraine is a major arms supplier, in the top five and in the city of Kharkov the state-owned tank factory remains the leading employer.

Has anyone noted what the Austrian stance is on this crisis, in particular on economic sanctions? Since 1990 Austrian investors have made significant investments in eastern Ukraine, accumulating local political influence in some cities.