Each January in recent years, the Observer has chosen its person or persons of the year and this year is no exception. We chose philanthropists as a group, those persons who, as defined by the dictionary, "…are inclined to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations." You've probably already noted the Observer's choice, either on our cover or in our cover story.
However, we wanted to know the opinion of some of our readers and how better to do that than to visit some of our favorite places of rest and refreshment to ask a random group about their choices.
Specifically, we asked:
"Who would be your choice for "Person of the Year" in Ukraine?"
 The man (sic) of the year is obviously Yulia (Tymoshenko), the only Ukrainian politician with guts and integrity. It's unfortunate that we will have to wait so long before integrity will enter Ukrainian politics.
Philip Smith
In Ukraine 13 years
Interviewed at O'Brien's Pub
 Dmytro Khristich (NHL player from Ukraine). I met him at the Drum and he was gentleman enough to put up with my hockey-fanatic babbling. Great guy!
Blair Sheridan,
In private business, in Ukraine 3 years
Interviewed at O'Brien's Pub
 Viktor Yanukovych. The reasons are simple. Nowhere in the world could a politician with a criminal past that was ruled by the court as partaking in massive voter fraud be skillful enough not only to be allowed to stay in a government position, but elevate himself and his party to power, ignoring the president and the people. I have never seen any person like this in my life, truly a man of the year or even decade. When most politicians would be embarrassed and go into exile…He's right here in everyone's face. Notice the number of accused bandits coming back to Ukraine; no doubt they are completely safe under his leadership…totally awesome, a real Superman. This is just my opinion, I could be wrong - he could be innocent of everything and just a great guy… In which case I'd still have the same answer. When I shared my thoughts with fellow workers, they said he would kill me. This bothered me a little because that act probably wouldn't bother him either.
David Sears
President, Energy Solutions
In Ukraine 7 years
Interviewed at TGI Friday's Restaurant
 Ruslana, pop singer, humanitarian and member of parliament.
Joanna Ransome
Teacher
In Ukraine less than 1 year
Interviewed at The Drum
 Cardinal Lubomyr Husar of the Graeco-Catholic Church. He is doing a lot of work in the field of countering trafficking in human beings, both on the national level and through his representatives in Lviv and western Ukraine.
Lua Pottier
Health Care Specialist, IOM
In Ukraine 2 years
 Viktor Yushchenko. He is still the major news story in Ukraine. He has not deviated from his main goal, even though many people around him have. He is still the most honest Ukrainian leader and even though many problems occurred beyond his control (parliamentary elections giving majority control to the Party of the Regions) he still is firm in his ultimate goal, a normal country with honest government and elimination of corruption.
Bill Atamanchuk
Self-employed consultant
In Ukraine 5 years
Interviewed at O'Brien's Pub.
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