Twin presidential interviews bring insight to Russia/Georgia story
08.27.2008
On August 27th, Reuters reporters in Kiev and Tbilisi won interviews with Ukraine’s leader Viktor Yushchenko and Georgia’s Mikheil Saakashvili. Having the ability to go direct to the world’s leaders is a key advantage for Reuters, allowing us to set the agenda and not have to follow other’s lead. Both interviews brought fresh perspectives to the Russia/Georgia crisis. Yushchenko said Russian recognition of Georgian rebel regions was unacceptable and he threatened to review the status of Russia’s Black Sea fleet which uses a Ukrainian port. Saakashvili called on the world to roll back “Russian aggression.” Both pieces added to the impression of deep nervousness among Russia’s neighbours at Moscow’s behaviour.
