Via the London Sunday Times a worrying report from the Ukraine: “Less than 15 months after he was forced from power by crowds of pro-democracy protesters, a former communist hardliner is finalising his plans to end Ukraine’s orange revolution. Viktor Yanukovich, 55, the former prime minister whose presidential campaign in 2004 ended in humiliation when he stepped down amid allegations of electoral fraud, is expected to win the largest number of votes for his party when Ukraine elects a new parliament later this month. His astonishing comeback has severely undermined the authority of Viktor Yushchenko, 52, the embattled pro-western president and hero of the orange revolution. Yanukovich has promised to steer Ukraine away from the West and back into Russia’s sphere of influence. “I have no doubts whatsoever that we will win these elections,” said a tanned and buoyant Yanukovich at his party headquarters in Kiev.”

In part, Yanukovich’s lead reflects splits in the Orange camp, but this isn’t good news.