The Ukrainian parliament has twice in recent weeks failed to confirm the appointment of proven reformer Yuriy Vitrenko (right) as the country s new Minister of Energy and First Deputy Prime Minister. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via REUTERS)
A brilliant resume. Extensive managerial and executive experience. A proven record of reforming and running a complex state company that ranks as one of Eastern Europe’s largest corporations. A record of accomplishment in complex legal battles and negotiations with Russia. Success in freeing Ukraine from its decades-long energy dependency on Russia. A strong set of contacts with Western opinion makers, investors, and government leaders. A sophisticated understanding of market economics and first-hand knowledge of how to combat corruption in a notoriously corrupt sector of Ukraine’s economy. And, perhaps just as importantly, strong leadership potential.