For a moment last week, Viktor Yushchenko relived the glory of the Orange Revolution when he appeared in the Mansion House in London to receive an international relations award from Queen Elizabeth II. As the Ukrainian leader accepted the honour, a smile crossed his poison-ravaged face. His wife Katya stood nearby wiping tears of pride and happiness from her eyes.

It all seemed a world away from Kiev and the harsh reality of post-revolution politics. Nearly a year after orange-clad demonstrators filled that city’s Independence Square to support his bid for the presidency, Mr Yushchenko faces daunting challenges in consolidating his victory. Much has been done. But much remains to be done.