VICE NEWS VIDEO: Crimea- A Look Inside the New Russian Territory

Days after Ukraine’s president was toppled from power during the Euromaidan revolution, Russian soldiers and local proxies took control of the strategically important Crimean peninsula and surrounded Ukrainian troops in their bases. Unhappy with the change in government in Kiev and using the unfounded fear of the Russian language being restricted, Russia made a bid for control in the region.

Following an illegal and fraudulent referendum on whether Crimea would become a part of Russia or not, Russia then formally annexed the peninsula — a move which was widely condemned by the international community. Russia had, in one quick and mostly bloodless takeover, reminded the world of its power, and made the West in its poor handling of the situation appear weak.

VICE News headed to Crimea to see how the change in rulers has gone down with the local population. Some residents welcomed Russia and the prospect of a greater economic future, while others feared losing their freedom to speak out, and did not like the idea of becoming pawns in Russia's military muscle flexing.

Im not sure this represents all of those living in Crimea, but this video focuses around those whom welcome to new Russian GOVT.

The video actually looks at those on both sides. Initially I thought it was more of a propaganda but it doesn't seem to be. The people who kind of object seem to be objecting because they are being forced to sign up for a passport to do anything. Also, the tourists aren't there anymore and some businesses are closing or laying off because of that. Well, McDs not there might be a health benefit for the Crimean people.

Not everyone wanted to join Russia, but the majority rules. A small percentage shouldn't be forcing most of the people not to join.

Either way, as far as I can see it, it was still illegal and the elections clearly rigged,

Both sides are represented hear and we can clearly see the are a large number of Crimean's who we're through fear and intimidation and are still today, this is not 21st century behaviour, this is no different to nazi Germany's annexation of Austria and as hitler described it as a "reunification"

Germany and Austria were no different to Ukraine and Russia

You can almost feel there fear through the camera

Recent picture from the East of Ukraine are showing some appalling human rights abuses and war crimes from the Russian backed rebels, they're running over POWs with tanks and driving around the streets with them chained to the back, forcing them to dig there fellow POWs graves, what Putin has done in revenge to Ukraine is disgusting

a reply to: CALGARIAN
One more example of the use of force; those with the guns etc etc. A chair and a little electric current, man's inhumanity to man either way that totally sucks just as water boarding does.. could go on and on as this human drama plays out. I thought the woman (what had she been drinking?) who said the west is losing power all over the world which would bring a new golden age.... where all people would be happy was rather interesting.. guess she does not get out much even though I agree with her on the power thingy ?
Might has always made right until the mightier steps in..

a reply to: rickymouse

Not everyone wanted to join Russia, but the majority rules. A small percentage shouldn't be forcing most of the people not to join.

And if the Upers wanted to join Canada, should Michigan or the federal government have anything to say about it?

If a majority of Southern Californians wanted to join Mexico, do we wave good-bye?

originally posted by: charles1952
a reply to: rickymouse

Not everyone wanted to join Russia, but the majority rules. A small percentage shouldn't be forcing most of the people not to join.

And if the Upers wanted to join Canada, should Michigan or the federal government have anything to say about it?

If a majority of Southern Californians wanted to join Mexico, do we wave good-bye?

Actually, if a very high percentage of people in a state wanted to succeed from the union, they could if they did it correctly. Now the USA would not like that and would try to bribe some of the top officials and communities to keep the state. Now, in the UP, the state of Michigan owns a lot of land and so does the Federal government, so there is no way that the UP could succeed from the USA or even from Michigan. A deed is a deed and will be recognized as title to land. We could try for statehood up here but we would have to buy out all of the State of Michigan lands to do so.