Yesterday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement strongly condemning an article in Foreign Affairs magazine by former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko. The statement called the article an “anti-Russian manifesto” and “an attempt to once again draw dividing lines in Europe." The ministry spokesman noted that “usually, we do not comment on articles in the foreign media” (except, of course, for the New York Times last month), but firmly asserted that this “cowardly” and “written-to-order” piece--purportedly titled “Containing Russia”--only “reinforces President Putin’s call for an open and honest dialogue [made during] his Munich speech."

In light of the current constitutional crisis in Ukraine, it's not surprising that an openly anti-Putin Tymoshenko would prompt such a response. Yet, a reader who might question the Kremlin’s judgment is faced with a much more mundane concern: where can one read this modern-day Fulton address in its entirety? The new issue of Foreign Affairs is not due for at least another week; for now, the Russian media has the only “scoop." Yesterday’s RIA Novosti reports:

in her article, Tymoshenko, a strong opponent of the alleged new Russian expansionism, outlines a fresh concept of containing Russia on the world arena, drawing obvious parallels with the 1940s doctrine developed by U.S. diplomat George Kennan, reputedly the chief ideologist of the Cold War.

Curious, I contacted Foreign Affairs, and was told that “unfortunately, a news organization got a hold of the article in advance of publication and referenced it despite a strict embargo. The article is, however, being released to the press tomorrow.”

While I am still waiting for my copy of Tymoshenko’s Cold War manifesto to arrive in the mail, I cannot help but wonder whether entry into the World Trade Organization is appropriate for Russia at this time. According to the Coalition of Intellectual Property Rights (CIRP),

Despite positive developments by Russia to bring its IP legislation on copyrights, trademarks and patents into compliance with WTO and Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) requirements, there are still significant legislative deficiencies and insufficient enforcement practices.

Regardless of political views, shouldn’t “enforcement practices” begin with the Kremlin, the citadel of Russian democracy and the rule of law?

Update: Foreign Affairs has now posted the article in question, which can be viewed here.