Editor’s Note:

The China deal slipped under the radar, partly obscured by Ukraine’s flipflop over the Uyghur petition. In Ukraine, Chinese construction companies have a checkered reputation – just look at the Zhytomyr bypass. But at home, Chinese builders can be relentless. In the time it takes Kyiv Metro to build one new subway station, the Chinese can build five new bullet train lines to cities you have never heard of. In a few years, we may look back and see last week’s construction deal as a turning point in the rise of Chinese influence in Ukraine. With Best Regards, Jim Brooke