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jonnywhite
The wrong move is for Russia to get involved so obnoxiously. They should stand back. If Ukrainian police and military forces are implementing draconian anti-protest laws and shooting down pro-russia supporters in the southeast Ukraine (including Crimea) then Russia will have its excuse to intervene. What Russia is doing now is trampling on the sovereignty of Ukraine, not even giving it a chance to work out its divisions on its own. It's clear why Russia wants to do this: They want Crimea. Unfortunately, they'll pay dearly for their aggressiveness.
My prediction is Russia will vote not to annex Crimea, but will support Crimea being an independent state. This might allow them to dodge sanctions. Behind the scenes they will negotiate trade and military treaties. If unrest and protesting builds in Crimea, Russia will smuggle arms and funding into Crimea. If the violence continues to grow, Russia will find a way to intervene. They won't want the western powers winning in the Ukraine, so close to the heart of Russia.edit on 17-3-2014 by jonnywhite because: (no reason given)
victor7
jonnywhite
The wrong move is for Russia to get involved so obnoxiously. They should stand back. If Ukrainian police and military forces are implementing draconian anti-protest laws and shooting down pro-russia supporters in the southeast Ukraine (including Crimea) then Russia will have its excuse to intervene. What Russia is doing now is trampling on the sovereignty of Ukraine, not even giving it a chance to work out its divisions on its own. It's clear why Russia wants to do this: They want Crimea. Unfortunately, they'll pay dearly for their aggressiveness.
My prediction is Russia will vote not to annex Crimea, but will support Crimea being an independent state. This might allow them to dodge sanctions. Behind the scenes they will negotiate trade and military treaties. If unrest and protesting builds in Crimea, Russia will smuggle arms and funding into Crimea. If the violence continues to grow, Russia will find a way to intervene. They won't want the western powers winning in the Ukraine, so close to the heart of Russia.edit on 17-3-2014 by jonnywhite because: (no reason given)
Russia will include Crimea as one of its republic. Not only that the 'annexation law' has already been passed by the Duma. It will apply to all 'near abroad' countries. Not that Russia all set to attack and annex but countries would keep Crimea episode in mind before messing with Russian people and interests.
Russia gave up communism, did not interfere in Central Europe, USSR even split into 15 republics, help US with all intelligence on Al Queda etc. What did it get in return? NATO expansion to the nose tip, contempt in all circles diplomatic, economic, military, western involvement in Checheya via Turkey, attack and plunder of Russian allies like Iraq, Libya, Syria, Serbia, forbidding Russian companies to sell arms to client states, looting of Russian industries via Jewish Oligarchs and other worldwide network.
Putin did not like that but Yeltsin left Russian treasury hollow and looted. It took 8-10 years to rebuild somewhat and now Russia is taking care of its interests and areas of strategic importance. Nothing wrong in that.
I would congratulate President Obama in not ratcheting up sanctions to further aggravate the relations and starting another Cold War.
Crimea is said and done. Ukraine needs to follow the path of Finland and NEVER EVER join NATO and so should other ex-republics.
Such moves and understandings will keep lots of peace in the world let alone Europe.
shappy
Just like Kosov was.
zilebeliveunknown
Kosovo too was a part of a sovereign state.
Get your facts straight.
Serbia and Kosovo were in conflict and the situation was a continuation of the post Yugoslavia beak-up.
There are no parallels with Crimea.