Until 1954, the Crimea was a separate entity - Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
In 1954 Khrushchev, in violation of the laws of the Soviet Union, almost single-handedly transferred Crimea to the Ukrainian SSR.
With the collapse of the USSR in the Crimea were many attempts to declare independence and to withdraw from the Ukraine. But they are always greatly suppressed, and leaders
of these movements for independence persecuted, imprisoned or killed.
And only now in 2014, as a result of the referendum voted for the Crimea
independence and joining Russia. As it should be.
Ask any residents of Sevastopol, Simferopol, Yalta - whether they want to be
within Russia or Ukraine? 85-90% wants to be a part of Russia.
It's hard to argue with the obvious facts.
And you argue just with the obvious facts ...
In 1954 Khrushchev, in violation of the laws of the Soviet Union, almost single-handedly transferred Crimea to the Ukrainian SSR.
With the collapse of the USSR in the Crimea were many attempts to declare independence and to withdraw from the Ukraine. But they are always greatly suppressed, and leaders
of these movements for independence persecuted, imprisoned or killed.
And only now in 2014, as a result of the referendum voted for the Crimea
independence and joining Russia. As it should be.
Ask any residents of Sevastopol, Simferopol, Yalta - whether they want to be
within Russia or Ukraine? 85-90% wants to be a part of Russia.
It's hard to argue with the obvious facts.
And you argue just with the obvious facts ...
11
America is not perfect by a long shot. It is not "exceptional" whatever that means. It's government is based on self interest like all governments. But America is not ruled by murdering thugs who routinely murder opposition forces, steal private property, kill journalists at will, destroy freedom of speech, and "elect" criminals to its Duma.
Russia is a dictatorship with nuclear weapons. Russia now is more dangerous than the defunct USSR since now it is lead by the greed of only one man, Putin. His cruelty is driven by personal power stemming from an extreme inferiority complex.
Nova Rossiya is just a slogan that appeals to the masses who lovingly support Putin not unlike Hitler's fan club that marched happily to its own destruction.
Russia is a dictatorship with nuclear weapons. Russia now is more dangerous than the defunct USSR since now it is lead by the greed of only one man, Putin. His cruelty is driven by personal power stemming from an extreme inferiority complex.
Nova Rossiya is just a slogan that appeals to the masses who lovingly support Putin not unlike Hitler's fan club that marched happily to its own destruction.
10
I would ask you to count how many countries Russia has either invaded or bombed in the last 10 years; how many military bases it has around the world; how many duly-elected presidents/premiers it has deposed or assassinated; how many countries it has imposes sanctions on; and then compare those numbers with the U.S.
12
These are "soviet people." Let them go to Russia, along with their friends in Donetsk, and stick Mr. Putin with the bill to rebuild their economies. Central and Western Ukraine, and the rest of Eastern Ukraine, can make their turn to democratic Europe. Perhaps in a generation or two, the children and grandchildren of Donetsk will work to reunify the country.
3
I find the lack of suggestions to alternatives to the Russian activities in the Crimea as business as usual for writers and professors and other deconstructionists.
What would be better? The way France controls Algeria and Morocco? What the U.S. does to Mexico? What Germany is doing to Greece ,Italy, and Spain is so wonderful?
What is so great about the Ukraine government they deserve support?
Deconstructionism is about repeating things that are happening, not about solutions. What would be a good solution in an area where everyone is willing to take up guns against others only ten miles away? What is a solution for Georgia? You've had several years to think so what have you thought?
You've had 20 years to think about Ukraine, so what have you thought?
I'll feel better when someone writes about solutions.
What would be better? The way France controls Algeria and Morocco? What the U.S. does to Mexico? What Germany is doing to Greece ,Italy, and Spain is so wonderful?
What is so great about the Ukraine government they deserve support?
Deconstructionism is about repeating things that are happening, not about solutions. What would be a good solution in an area where everyone is willing to take up guns against others only ten miles away? What is a solution for Georgia? You've had several years to think so what have you thought?
You've had 20 years to think about Ukraine, so what have you thought?
I'll feel better when someone writes about solutions.
4
If you don't like what is happening in Crimea, you shouldn't have finance the overthrow of Ukraine's legitimate government. Russia could not stand idly by and watch that happen.
8
I would like to assure Victoria Nuland and all others who think that Crimea should be returned to Ukraine: peninsula is and will forever be part of Russia Federation. The only way around, ladies and gentlemen, is to start WWIII, and who in their clear mind would want to do it?
9
Russia is a doomed concept; there is virtually zero immigration; Putin gains population only by conquest; death from lifestyle choices in Russia (smoking, alcoholism, infant mortality from both) equals that of a squalid third world backwater. The population is in rapid decline. Once oil runs out they're finished. It's simple math. Russia in it's present form will not survive the 21st century. So...really, who cares?
We'd be well served, in respect to Putin's ludicrous antics, by adopting the philosophy of our former nemisis in Vietnam, the persistant General Giap, who showed the world that his most powerful weapons against the "imperialist enemy" were patience and time.
We'd be well served, in respect to Putin's ludicrous antics, by adopting the philosophy of our former nemisis in Vietnam, the persistant General Giap, who showed the world that his most powerful weapons against the "imperialist enemy" were patience and time.
3
How can the "west be serious about halting the growth of a Russian regime" when the West is essentially embroiled in what amounts to a mini world war in the Middle East with the hoodlums that are in the so-called Isis organization? We are spending billions every year there and in efforts to protect ourselves from the next terrorists attacks in our homeland. We must not listen to the crackpots like McCain demanding even more blood and money for these adventures which have no clear cut purpose or end. Let the Russians and the other countries involved solve their own issues.
9
Ukraine has been a part of Russia for centuries. Millions of Soviet soldiers fought, bled and died first defending it and then retaking it from the Germans in the 1940's. It is not some formerly independent state that the USSR seized following the Second World War. It is not a member of NATO and we have no legitimate cause to be involved there.
11
I think you need to read a history book Mike. The relationship between the two "regions" indeed goes back centuries. But to suggest that that obligates Ukraine to a state of eternal obsequium to the Russian thug-klept-ocracy that has always exploited and periodically brutalized the various ethnic groups native to Ukraine is naive at the very least.
It's never ceases to amaze me how the world can accept convenient Stalinist inventions like Ukrainian -Russian brotherhood; how quickly we've forgotten that the people of Ukraine welcomed the Nazis as liberators when they invaded in 1941 (albeit soon regretted when the SS began rounding up Jews). The history of conflict between the 2 regions is as old as each region's existance. Anything approaching genuine harmony never existed.
Let's be brutally honest here: millions of Russian soldiers died in Ukraine and elsewhere because Josef Stalin lashed them into the inferno of all out war with the german invaders with the threat of consequences just as hideous as death in combat - mass executions by the hundreds of thousands, mass starvation of suspected reluctant ethnic groups by the millions, etc. Stalin was the most rapacious murderer in human history and the people of Ukraine suffered disproportionately.
That anyone today could question for a second why the people of Ukraine would fear domination by a monster like Putin who's a throwback to everything that is grotesque about Russia, is unfathomable.
It's never ceases to amaze me how the world can accept convenient Stalinist inventions like Ukrainian -Russian brotherhood; how quickly we've forgotten that the people of Ukraine welcomed the Nazis as liberators when they invaded in 1941 (albeit soon regretted when the SS began rounding up Jews). The history of conflict between the 2 regions is as old as each region's existance. Anything approaching genuine harmony never existed.
Let's be brutally honest here: millions of Russian soldiers died in Ukraine and elsewhere because Josef Stalin lashed them into the inferno of all out war with the german invaders with the threat of consequences just as hideous as death in combat - mass executions by the hundreds of thousands, mass starvation of suspected reluctant ethnic groups by the millions, etc. Stalin was the most rapacious murderer in human history and the people of Ukraine suffered disproportionately.
That anyone today could question for a second why the people of Ukraine would fear domination by a monster like Putin who's a throwback to everything that is grotesque about Russia, is unfathomable.
11
Ukraine has been part of Russia the way Ireland has been part of England.
4
When did the USA actually help oppressed people against dictators?
In Guatamala, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua- close to home and far away like Vietnam, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan to name just a few spectacular failures US engagement spells disaster except for the weapons industry.
Crimea is now part of Russia, the people can observe from a safe distance how Kiev egged on by a the US State dept. has mercilessly shelled cities in eastern Ukraine killing thousands of the very people it wants to liberate. Do you really believe they would choose for Kiev?
Do not forget the war has been fought in the separatist regions
The US is unhappy with Merkel/Hollande for trying to stop the war, Kiev is following this closely and has demanded complete control over the separatist regions before further implementation of Minsk 2, = more war...
As if the American people are well informed, 90% of media in hands of 6 corporations, if the workers of USA multi nationals knew that their co workers in Europe were paid a living wage,healthcare and kids education looked after they would answer, yes we are free and our democrat/GOP congress proves it.... I think not.
In Guatamala, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua- close to home and far away like Vietnam, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan to name just a few spectacular failures US engagement spells disaster except for the weapons industry.
Crimea is now part of Russia, the people can observe from a safe distance how Kiev egged on by a the US State dept. has mercilessly shelled cities in eastern Ukraine killing thousands of the very people it wants to liberate. Do you really believe they would choose for Kiev?
Do not forget the war has been fought in the separatist regions
The US is unhappy with Merkel/Hollande for trying to stop the war, Kiev is following this closely and has demanded complete control over the separatist regions before further implementation of Minsk 2, = more war...
As if the American people are well informed, 90% of media in hands of 6 corporations, if the workers of USA multi nationals knew that their co workers in Europe were paid a living wage,healthcare and kids education looked after they would answer, yes we are free and our democrat/GOP congress proves it.... I think not.
17
When it comes to thuggish kleptocracy, Ukraine is actually worse than Russia.
Russia makes Crimea like itself? Well, that is a tiny step up from the even worse Ukraine.
Ukraine will be transformed any day now by Western intervention? Never happened anywhere before, dream on.
Russia makes Crimea like itself? Well, that is a tiny step up from the even worse Ukraine.
Ukraine will be transformed any day now by Western intervention? Never happened anywhere before, dream on.
17
You won't like it, but fairly recent polling finds a very strong majority of Crimeans (over 80% but with caveats) WANT to be allied with Russia. Information here:
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-06/one-year-later-crimeans...
The article notes: Fifty-one percent reported their well-being had improved in the past year. That especially concerns retirees, who started receiving much higher Russian pensions. Being part of a wealthier state -- and, despite its recent economic woes, Russia is still far wealthier than Ukraine -- is a powerful lure....
And Russia is supplying a large chunk of Crimea's budget. There are strong historical and cultural ties to Russia as well. We in the West look at this through a Cold War lens, and it is also true that there is justification for that view since Putin and company are clearly moving swiftly to extend their reach and greedy grasp through taking over Crimean banks and businesses to their own benefit and cracking down on ethnic minorities like the Tatars.
Many Americans have a blind belief that Russians hate Putin because he is a dictator.
Putin IS a dictator, but he holds very strong public support because he gives them a sense that he is restoring Russian strength and pride.....and because he is a dictator.....Strangely enough, as Kendrick Smith noted years ago, many Russians want strict control against the "turmoil" they see as part of the Russian soul.
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-06/one-year-later-crimeans...
The article notes: Fifty-one percent reported their well-being had improved in the past year. That especially concerns retirees, who started receiving much higher Russian pensions. Being part of a wealthier state -- and, despite its recent economic woes, Russia is still far wealthier than Ukraine -- is a powerful lure....
And Russia is supplying a large chunk of Crimea's budget. There are strong historical and cultural ties to Russia as well. We in the West look at this through a Cold War lens, and it is also true that there is justification for that view since Putin and company are clearly moving swiftly to extend their reach and greedy grasp through taking over Crimean banks and businesses to their own benefit and cracking down on ethnic minorities like the Tatars.
Many Americans have a blind belief that Russians hate Putin because he is a dictator.
Putin IS a dictator, but he holds very strong public support because he gives them a sense that he is restoring Russian strength and pride.....and because he is a dictator.....Strangely enough, as Kendrick Smith noted years ago, many Russians want strict control against the "turmoil" they see as part of the Russian soul.
18
A number of your points have merit, but the poll you reference has zero validity. Glossing over the 80% favorability with the comment "with caveats" is ridiculous. Let me think for a minute. If I got a telephone polling organization calling my home in Crimea several months after the Russian annexation, and I was asked if I favored the annexation what would my answer be? I think I'd be in the 80%.
4
These are the gasps of a dying Empire: our E.U. friends have borne the price of our sanctions and are fed up; the Chinese Silk Road and its World Bank rival have drawn the Europeans and we want in; our debts and military over-reach are crashing our future; and the best we can do is tell everyone to listen to us or we'll crush you. Crimeans want to remain Russia according to recent polls, but we (and the Times) have to fan the flames of fear and hatred. It's an old ploy, very old and so 20th century!
17
Yesterday the House of Representatives passed a resolution urging Obama to send lethal aid to Ukraine, providing offensive, not just "defensive" weapons to the Ukraine army.
Ukraine will start issuing "sovereign" debt with a US guarantee. Thank you tax payers.
From 1999 - 2014 the top donor to the Clinton Foundation is Ukraine - $10,000,000.
http://rt.com/usa/243017-ukraine-clinton-foreign-donors/
Ukraine will start issuing "sovereign" debt with a US guarantee. Thank you tax payers.
From 1999 - 2014 the top donor to the Clinton Foundation is Ukraine - $10,000,000.
http://rt.com/usa/243017-ukraine-clinton-foreign-donors/
5
The best way to combat this is economic sanctions and letting the people who live under that system know that throwing it off will bring better lives.
The best way to topple North Korea's dictators would be to air drop Martha Stewart Living and Safeway ads into the capital. Day after day for months on end.
We have to move past war.
The best way to topple North Korea's dictators would be to air drop Martha Stewart Living and Safeway ads into the capital. Day after day for months on end.
We have to move past war.
3
That's a great idea. Now if we could just get everyone else to agree.
Well, actually, no surprise here.
Putin's governance is organized crime, so why not repeat the same in Crimea?
It's too bad. Russia enjoys a great cultural heritage and brilliant citizens; but that old KGB has never left, but morphed into a criminal enterprise
Putin's governance is organized crime, so why not repeat the same in Crimea?
It's too bad. Russia enjoys a great cultural heritage and brilliant citizens; but that old KGB has never left, but morphed into a criminal enterprise
18
I don`t think the war on the Mafia was waged to fight crime, it was waged to transfer this power and profit industry to another group of " bosses ". What was considered illegal for the Mafia is now legal. Loan sharking is now payday loans, prostitution is now on craigslist, influence pedaling is now lobbying and gambling is now run by the state.
So is it any wonder that Russia has morphed into the Russian " Mafia ". You can see it`s influence in the mid-atiantic areas like Maryland and in Miami. Russia is nothing more than a criminal enterprise on the move under the cover of a supposedly legitimate government.
So is it any wonder that Russia has morphed into the Russian " Mafia ". You can see it`s influence in the mid-atiantic areas like Maryland and in Miami. Russia is nothing more than a criminal enterprise on the move under the cover of a supposedly legitimate government.
3
And what is our government? It's controlled by the banks and corporations.
2
Dear Mr. Foxall,
"Crimea matters".
Indeed but it seems to matter most to the European Union, as it always has historically. I am not quite sure what you are proposing beyond sanctions.
"Halting the growth of a Russian regime" are very bold words; it seems you are proposing military action to prevent Ukraine from being swallowed up by the new Czar. If so, is Europe ready to "go to the mat" in a showdown with the Russian state?
If not, then it seems your rhetoric wants the United States to become the area's police force; sort of like Europe's war, American soldiers fighting it.
Historically, it seems Mr. Putin is trodding down a well worn path with Ukraine the next stop.
Let's try to look at the "bright side"; Mr. Putin pales in comparison to Mr. Stalin. Not much comfort but a tiny step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, how about a well armed Poland and Germany?
"Crimea matters".
Indeed but it seems to matter most to the European Union, as it always has historically. I am not quite sure what you are proposing beyond sanctions.
"Halting the growth of a Russian regime" are very bold words; it seems you are proposing military action to prevent Ukraine from being swallowed up by the new Czar. If so, is Europe ready to "go to the mat" in a showdown with the Russian state?
If not, then it seems your rhetoric wants the United States to become the area's police force; sort of like Europe's war, American soldiers fighting it.
Historically, it seems Mr. Putin is trodding down a well worn path with Ukraine the next stop.
Let's try to look at the "bright side"; Mr. Putin pales in comparison to Mr. Stalin. Not much comfort but a tiny step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, how about a well armed Poland and Germany?
6
Judge the non-Russians in areas controlled by Russia the same way as non-Jews are treated in areas controlled by Israel.
5
It was Victoria Nuland that organised the February 2014 coup d’etate in Kiev and installed a fascist party as Government. This immediately led to a reaction from the Eastern Part of Ukraine who had a long history of oppression by fascists in prior and up to WWII. The installation of the fascist government in Kiev led to the current Ukrainian Civil War between Kiev Fascists and anti Kiev Federalists. As a by product Russia annexed Crimea to protect its Naval base and provides support to the Anti – Kiev side in the Civil War
22
Fact change: Igor V. Kolomoisky is no longer a pro-Kyiv regional governor - he was dismissed from his position by the President of Ukraine.
5
Ok, "Crimea matters". Now what?
What does Dr. Foxall suggest? That seems to be missing from this article.
What does Dr. Foxall suggest? That seems to be missing from this article.
8
Sounds like President Bush's invasion of Panama to protect American lives. I notice the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea together resemble a pinwheel, so maybe that's where the "air" part of the English word "Arab" comes from.
3
The parallel would hold if the U.S. had annexed Panama. Not only this hasn't happened, but the U.S. later handed over control of the Panama canal back to Panama. While it would be great to see something similar happening in Crimea, don't hold your breath.
9
Within the space of twelve months Crimea has reverted to the condition of a mini USSR. Communist flags fly, Stalin worshipers are to be seen and the new conquering hero Putin is exulted.
The human rights situation has also reverted to Soviet standards. More so in respect of the Tatars and Ukrainians in the peninsular. In many respects Crimea has become a criminal fiefdom.
How long will the euphoria of the Russian majority last?
The human rights situation has also reverted to Soviet standards. More so in respect of the Tatars and Ukrainians in the peninsular. In many respects Crimea has become a criminal fiefdom.
How long will the euphoria of the Russian majority last?
14
Putin sized Obama up and realized the time was right to expand his empire.
5
W Bush looked in Putin's eyes and saw Putin's "soul" - as Putin looked into W's. Maybe Putin saw how W wanted to expand the American "empire" to the middle east to export freedom and democracy, and he though he could do the same with Crimea. At least Putin seems to have done a better job, so far.
5
We started this whole thing, not Russia.
3
Yes, Russia has a naval base in Crimea, but aside from that and some very lonesome resorts, have you seen Crimea and Eastern Ukraine? If Putin wants to throw away his dwindling stockpile of devalued rubles propping up these grim soviet era ruins, let him have his "empire". My apologies to the local folks living under such difficult circumstances.
1
I'd love to see Russian roll the tanks into Ukriane, just to prove the neocon is right. Furthermore, I'd enjoy to see American troops on the ground to battle out, just to disapprove the war party the Russians are playing toy guns.
That's funny because two days ago Forbes magazine published a story backed by Gallup and other polls entiled "One Year After Russia Annexed Crimea, Locals Prefer Moscow To Kievs" http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2015/03/20/one-year-after-russia-a...
How does Mr. Foxall explain that?
How does Mr. Foxall explain that?
11
He does: "The Kremlin has seized control of the peninsula’s media, taking Ukrainian TV channels off the air and replacing them with state-backed Russian ones."
The fact that these people now get their news mostly from Russian state TV propaganda goes a long way towards explaining their current inclinations.
For the same reasons, 80% of Russians still support Vladimir Putin in spite of his dubious foreign wars and the resulting crash of the Russian economy.
The fact that these people now get their news mostly from Russian state TV propaganda goes a long way towards explaining their current inclinations.
For the same reasons, 80% of Russians still support Vladimir Putin in spite of his dubious foreign wars and the resulting crash of the Russian economy.
9
I am amazed how willlingly all democratic countries have abandoned what were once our core principles for the sake of doing business. Appeasing Russia, groveling to China. Disgusting!
10
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrocaspian_Dictatorship
"... The Central-Caspian Dictatorship asked for British help in order to stop the advancing Ottoman Army of Islam that was marching towards Baku. A small British force under General Lionel Dunsterville was sent to Baku and helped the mainly Dashnak-Armenian forces to defend the capital during the Battle of Baku. However, Baku fell on September 15, 1918 and an Azerbaijani-Ottoman army entered the capital, causing British forces to evacuate and much of the Armenian population to flee. After the Ottoman Empire signed the Armistice of Mudros on October 30, 1918, a British occupational force re-entered Baku...."
"... The Central-Caspian Dictatorship asked for British help in order to stop the advancing Ottoman Army of Islam that was marching towards Baku. A small British force under General Lionel Dunsterville was sent to Baku and helped the mainly Dashnak-Armenian forces to defend the capital during the Battle of Baku. However, Baku fell on September 15, 1918 and an Azerbaijani-Ottoman army entered the capital, causing British forces to evacuate and much of the Armenian population to flee. After the Ottoman Empire signed the Armistice of Mudros on October 30, 1918, a British occupational force re-entered Baku...."
3
Mr. Stuart: one could say that America has also abandoned principles for doing business, right here at home to serve corporate interests. Our democracy is no longer a shining example other than in principle.
9
This is 100%, entirely, the outcome of Obama's policies. Early on, Obama eliminated any threat by unilaterally emasculating the US. He told everyone, point blank, that the US had no interest in these affairs. Thus, Russia, China, and other bullies knew they could proceed with impunity.
When Reagan was president, people were truly afraid of him because they believed he was apt to do something immediate if a problem developed. Countries generally behaved. The same goes for my daughter's middle school. The children behave not so much because anything actually happens to punish them, but because they fear something might happen. Remove the fear and you have chaos.
Obama removed the fear, without putting anything in its place. Chaos ensued.
When Reagan was president, people were truly afraid of him because they believed he was apt to do something immediate if a problem developed. Countries generally behaved. The same goes for my daughter's middle school. The children behave not so much because anything actually happens to punish them, but because they fear something might happen. Remove the fear and you have chaos.
Obama removed the fear, without putting anything in its place. Chaos ensued.
5
Reagan? You're kidding me, Reagan? Your hero armed and strengthened Saddam Hussein even after he used WMDs, sold arms to Iran to fund his illegal war in Central America siding with people who murdered an Archbishop while he was giving Mass and three nuns, strengthened armed and trained the violent streak of Islam in Afghanistan to oppose the Soviets then failed to give aide once the Soviets left, leaving Afghanistan ( and eventually the twin towers) to their fate. As for projecting tough, well, he was a good actor, but people on the ground know that he turned tail and ran after the bombing of our barracks in Lebanon. Also, Bush did nothing at all when Putin went after Georgia.
Turn off Fox News and read a few history books. Essentially every foreign policy disaster we have today ( not to mention the destruction of the great post war US middle class) was seeded in the Reagan years.
Turn off Fox News and read a few history books. Essentially every foreign policy disaster we have today ( not to mention the destruction of the great post war US middle class) was seeded in the Reagan years.
6
Fear of irrational American behavior will definitely keep other countries in line. It's like Goodfellas, except with more flags.
4
Too much myopia in these arguments.
When you back someone into a corner, they must face defeat or come out scratching.
When you back someone into a corner, they must face defeat or come out scratching.
5
This is indeed a very sad story, but it's not the only one in the world at the time. Right now, I think we all know that the US is deeply involved in a number of conflicts in the Middle East, and is our best hope for at least slowing the spread of nuclear weapons in that perennially-troubled area.
If the EU is ever to act as a political and economic unit, now might be an excellent time. The EU countries have chosen to let their military capabilities wither, but this might not be as bad as it looks. Russia's soft underbelly is its economy and its dependence on oil and gas. If the EU launched a major effort right now to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and gas and set out to stimulate the economies of former Warsaw Pact countries, it could prevail over Russian thuggery.
Make Kiev a happening place in the new economy, but let the price for this support be enforceable steps to reduce the corruption that still hobbles Ukraine. Let's not have another Greece!
If the EU is ever to act as a political and economic unit, now might be an excellent time. The EU countries have chosen to let their military capabilities wither, but this might not be as bad as it looks. Russia's soft underbelly is its economy and its dependence on oil and gas. If the EU launched a major effort right now to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and gas and set out to stimulate the economies of former Warsaw Pact countries, it could prevail over Russian thuggery.
Make Kiev a happening place in the new economy, but let the price for this support be enforceable steps to reduce the corruption that still hobbles Ukraine. Let's not have another Greece!
1
Let's not kid ourselves, Russia's presence in Crimea means nuclear presence. Russian officials have already stated that they "reserve the right" to station Russia's nuclear arsenal on the peninsula - which, as recent history shows, likely means that they are already working on it. Looking at the geography, that's as big of a threat as a nuclear Middle East, if not worse.
The argument about economic assistance still stands, but one also shouldn't forget about the need to defend Ukraine in order to defend Europe.
The argument about economic assistance still stands, but one also shouldn't forget about the need to defend Ukraine in order to defend Europe.
3
Excellent points, Anatoliy. I don't know the precise legal details, but I have been told that Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal after the breakup of the Soviet Union, partially on the assurance that NATO would protect it. To ignore that promise now would make it harder later to convince other nations to give up their own nuclear capabilities.
2
Until the the world is engulfed in ww3 and we look back at our self righteous stupidity and the destruction we have wrought in the name of liberalism and democracy nothing will change. I'm tired of hearing about Putin as the incarnation of Darth Vader with all the suffering the U.S. and its allies have instigated. People need to understand this and know that our sophisticated means of conquering the world need not involve the direct occupation of countries as in the the good old days. Our bankers and capital do most of the dirty work with Rupert Murdock and his ilk controlling information so that most people believe we really are in the right in what we do. What's left of unbiased reporting is all but ignored by a dumbed down and mentally distracted population. I understand Mr Foxalls words are his opinion , but he totally ignores the contributing causes and conditions the created the crisis in Ukraine.
6
I have lived both in "the West" and in "the East", and while I understand your Western complaining about your own system, I can assure you that indeed Putin is the incarnation of Darth Vader and Joseph Stalin was the incarnation of a Sith Master.
Why don't you move your family to Russia for a few generations and, if you are young enough and healthy enough, perhaps you will get to live long enough to see a few generation pulverized by various underworld and government faction to a level you in the West cannot even fanthom to imagine - all the meanwhile being spoon fed propaganda at a level that makes Rupert Murdock look like a truth seeking scientist.
Why don't you move your family to Russia for a few generations and, if you are young enough and healthy enough, perhaps you will get to live long enough to see a few generation pulverized by various underworld and government faction to a level you in the West cannot even fanthom to imagine - all the meanwhile being spoon fed propaganda at a level that makes Rupert Murdock look like a truth seeking scientist.
11
The "direct occupation of countries" is currently Russia's doing. The U.S. efforts for the last decade or so have been to pull out of the "occupations" of Iraq and Afghanistan, which were never planned to be long-term. By contrast, I don't expect the Russian occupation of Crimea (which Putin calls "eternal") to end within my lifetime. Can anybody imagine even GW Bush calling the American presence in Iraq "eternal" ?
As for the bankers and the business people, the current problem rather how willing they are to cooperate with the worst regimes on the planet, including Putin's, if there is a bit of cash to be made in the process.
As for the bankers and the business people, the current problem rather how willing they are to cooperate with the worst regimes on the planet, including Putin's, if there is a bit of cash to be made in the process.
3
And the drumbeats for more war are pounding.
The Russian bear is on the attack!!!
Send more weapons!
Hmmmmm, sounds a bit familiar, with some of the same faces as our last triumph in the Middle East beating the loudest.
Beware indeed the propoganda machines on both side of the equation.
The Russian bear is on the attack!!!
Send more weapons!
Hmmmmm, sounds a bit familiar, with some of the same faces as our last triumph in the Middle East beating the loudest.
Beware indeed the propoganda machines on both side of the equation.
8
Keep in my mind that Putin is held up as an example of "real leadership" by a number of prominent right wing Republicans in the U.S.
14
Pew Research, Gallup Polls, and German based GfK have all concluded the Crimean people OVERWHELMINGLY supported being "aggressively annexed" by Putin.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2015/03/20/one-year-after-russia-a...
Can we please drop the silly fantasy that Putin wants to take over the world?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2015/03/20/one-year-after-russia-a...
Can we please drop the silly fantasy that Putin wants to take over the world?
6
Putin doesn't want "to take over the world." He is not Hitler. Putin wants to reconstruct the former USSR. And he will succeed using the same formula that he used in Ukraine. He will infiltrate with provocateurs, foment discord and conflict, then send in unmarked Soviet troops and military equipment. It will not be an overt Soviet invasion, so NATO will be unable to present a united front to respond. He will continue to gnaw away at bits of the Baltic States. He will bide his time while Western leaders are distracted by the crisis du jour, like Isis. Eventually, any NATO/Western alliance with splinter and Putin will end up with a mere slap on the hand. The process will then begin again. Look at Georgia. Just a few years after that, the world shuttled off to the Sochi Olympics.
Wake up. This is his plan. Any hope that a bad economy will deter him is pure fantasy. Russians see hardship as a necessary expense to hold back the evil West, a notion that is bombarded into the people by total control of the media. The failure of the economy is blamed on the West, not Putin's leadership. His popularity remains sky high.
So, unless NATO and the US find an effective means to stop Putin, he will gobble up everything that was once behind the Iron Curtain. And we will only have ourselves to blame.
Wake up. This is his plan. Any hope that a bad economy will deter him is pure fantasy. Russians see hardship as a necessary expense to hold back the evil West, a notion that is bombarded into the people by total control of the media. The failure of the economy is blamed on the West, not Putin's leadership. His popularity remains sky high.
So, unless NATO and the US find an effective means to stop Putin, he will gobble up everything that was once behind the Iron Curtain. And we will only have ourselves to blame.
4
After exclusively watching Russian TV for one year, Crimeans now have a positive image of Russia -- not a surprise.
But if this had been true a year ago (when Crimeans had access to both Russian and Ukrainian TV, as well as some foreign channels), Putin could have simply held a fair referendum on the annexation.
Instead, as has been widely reported, only one side was allowed to campaign and the voting process was monitored by Russian soldiers and pro-Russian militias. The fact that Putin had to resort to such tactics puts a permanent question mark over any "support" the Crimeans my have had for annexation.
But if this had been true a year ago (when Crimeans had access to both Russian and Ukrainian TV, as well as some foreign channels), Putin could have simply held a fair referendum on the annexation.
Instead, as has been widely reported, only one side was allowed to campaign and the voting process was monitored by Russian soldiers and pro-Russian militias. The fact that Putin had to resort to such tactics puts a permanent question mark over any "support" the Crimeans my have had for annexation.
2
What a one-sided brainwashed article - demonizing Putin and Russia while portraying Ukraine - and it's leadership thugs who made billions stealing in Ukraine - as victims. The war in Ukraine has nothing to do with democracy and freedoms but rather just yet another fight for power and land grab that happened many times since the USSR breakup. Current Ukrainian "leaders" just as guilty of corruption and crime as all previous Ukrainian leaders. It is worth reading this article that explain the roots of the conflict really well http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/24/world/europe/dispute-between-poroshenk...
10
America needs to realize the post cold War Pax Americana is being challenged by the forces of neo-fascism (a combination of authoritarian government and crony capitalism in which the government and organized crime share the spoils). The leader of these forces is Putin. America needs to re-institute the draft or some form of national service,, increase military spending and send at least 50,000 troops to Poland and the Baltic states as a clear message that any further Russian aggression means war. If this does not happen, a Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Baltic states, Poland, and possibly Romania and Bulgaria as well becomes a matter of when, not if.
2
No. We don't need a draft because they have problems in Europe. Let the Europeans fight first. I don't mean the old warsaw pact countries, I know they will fight, they lived under the brutal Russian occupation. I mean the rest of Europe. Not us first.
After the implosion of the old Soviet Union, Ukraine voluntarily gave up it's Nukes in a treaty. The treaty also promised that the signatories would defend Ukraine.
Among the signatories were the United States and the United Kingdom. Obama and Cameron did nothing.
Do not think that this lesson will be lost upon other nations in the future.
Among the signatories were the United States and the United Kingdom. Obama and Cameron did nothing.
Do not think that this lesson will be lost upon other nations in the future.
17
Details of the treaty we ignored. Ukraine gave up it's Nukes and we promised to protect them.
http://fas.org/spp/starwars/crs/91-144.htm
http://fas.org/spp/starwars/crs/91-144.htm
1
"The treaty also promised that the signatories would defend Ukraine."
It wasn't a treaty, and it didn't promise that. The neocons keep trying to sell that, but it isn't true.
It wasn't a treaty, and it didn't promise that. The neocons keep trying to sell that, but it isn't true.
very little has been said these past few years regarding Putin's connection and alliance with the Russia Mafia. It's been well known for the past decade that the Russian Mob controls or greatly influences approx. 50% of all Russian businesses, big and small. Putin would be more than crazy not to cozy up to the mob and vice versa. Also, last month Putin finally admitted he planned the whole Crimean take over . There was no true people's referendum in Crimea. Russian soldiers were indeed in those illegal, insignia-less uniforms- not home grown militia .. Yet, still those Russia apologists will make up some absurd excuse for this charade. The EU and US are still sitting with there hands behind their backs- waiting... waiting for what? What more evidence do you need to intervene on Ukraine's behalf, or are profits more important? We already know the answer to that and i'm glad i'm not the PM of Lithuania, or Poland.
3
To see, and hear, the torment and uncertainty that Crimean citizens of all faiths are now enduring, if they wish to retain their Ukrainian citizenship, rather than to submit to Russian rule, click on the recent report from Radio Free Europe: "Staying Ukrainian in Crimea":
http://www.rferl.org/media/video/26912092.html
In turn, do we even need to remind Times readers that Russia has fomented a war in Eastern Ukraine, on the false pretext that people of Russian descent should fear living in an independent, European-oriented Ukraine?
Now, in keeping with Russian imperial practices, all Crimean citizens are being brow-beaten into re-fashioning themselves as people of the so-called "Russian world." Ergo: the rights of the citizens in Eastern Ukraine will be protected ONLY if Ukraine is allowed to flourish as a sovereign state, free of Russian interference, vicious propaganda, and military aggression.
http://www.rferl.org/media/video/26912092.html
In turn, do we even need to remind Times readers that Russia has fomented a war in Eastern Ukraine, on the false pretext that people of Russian descent should fear living in an independent, European-oriented Ukraine?
Now, in keeping with Russian imperial practices, all Crimean citizens are being brow-beaten into re-fashioning themselves as people of the so-called "Russian world." Ergo: the rights of the citizens in Eastern Ukraine will be protected ONLY if Ukraine is allowed to flourish as a sovereign state, free of Russian interference, vicious propaganda, and military aggression.
30
Ukraine became an independent state back in 1991. Since, through many corrupt and criminal governments that built a system that enriched a few and bankrupt everyone else, Ukraine is what it is today - a completely bankrupt and dysfunctional state. Let me note that many of these past Ukrainian leaders were quite anti-Russian and nationalistic. Are you saying that Putin and Russia were behind all this for the past 24 years and it has nothing to do with internal thugs and criminals many of whom are in today's government? One year after Maidan, we yet to see any reform taking place to make Ukraine "flourish", never mind try to protect the rights of the citizen's in the East. Please stop coming up with demon stories to explain Ukraine's situation. It is worth reading this article to see a real story behind all this http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/24/world/europe/dispute-between-poroshenk...
5
NY University had a research study last year that suggested that when people think about other groups our minds don't see them as being actually human unless we perceive them as a threat. This implies that in situations where we sense threat in another country our minds block our awareness of a lot of anyone active except the most charismatic, most threatening person in the region. Articles like this and so many other's over the last year give weight to that theory. There appear to be no 'minds' in Ukraine except Vladimir Putin. Threat narrows our thinking and makes just incredibly over-simplified narratives feel plausible. I look forward to the NYTs starting to recognize how out-group bias, plus perceived threats alters analysis so they will get batter at catching just how many pieces they are running that don't give millions of people the benefit of being capable of independent action and motives.
12
I am guessing that you have not spent a lot of time around Russians. It is in fact that Russians who have removed the humanity from not just Ukrainians (a people that they have considered brother slavs for hundreds of years) and now categorize them as an enemy with one of their most famous actors actually going to the Donetsk airport to shoot a machine gun toward the village on the outskirts where Ukrainian soldiers and civilians were located. How does your theory deal with your neighbors no longer recognizing you as human? How do we deal with the main State TV broadcaster staining in front of a giant TV screen of a nuclear mushroom cloud and stating that the Americans better realize that we can obliterate them. Should we offer to hold hands and sing?
8
The US grabbed Iraq with faked evidence and the narrative, that they will provide freedom. 160.000 iraqi civilians died. Putin may be bad, but still nothing to get overexcited about.
And it will not be the future of the Ukraine, if we manage to beef up the economy and the system of the ukraine. Putin is building a society based on local thugs, but there is no bigger message than nationality for the russians, no freedom, no prosperity. This is our chance, we have already gained so much, we don't have to get disappointed about not getting a little peninsula. Lets have Putin have his business in the crimea, we have business in the rest of the ukraine, let's focus on that.
And it will not be the future of the Ukraine, if we manage to beef up the economy and the system of the ukraine. Putin is building a society based on local thugs, but there is no bigger message than nationality for the russians, no freedom, no prosperity. This is our chance, we have already gained so much, we don't have to get disappointed about not getting a little peninsula. Lets have Putin have his business in the crimea, we have business in the rest of the ukraine, let's focus on that.
17
The US didn't grab and annex Iraq. And, the people of Crimea didn't vote to join Russia. That election was fake. Even if it wasn't fake, that land and resources belong to ALL the people of Ukraine. Many Ukrainians own land and property in Crimea, as it is a resort area, but may live in other parts of the country. Putin just stole part of Ukraine, forcefully through military action and a fake election. He is a thug and an international criminal.
58
Mathias, you would do well to open a book on Hussein's rule of Iraq. When hundreds of thousands of ethnic minorities are slaughtered, including by way of chemical weapons, and a peaceful, sovereign nation is invaded (Kuwait) - I feel that it is grounds for "regime change"... despite the lack of WMD's and the hamhanded way it was sold to the American public. However feel free to ignore the horrors of Hussein's rule as it accomodates the anti-US narrative of American & Euro liberals nicely.
As far as Ukraine - russia has a fascist dictator as it's leader. It is high time the world calls a spade a spade. russia continues to supply weapons, soldiers & mercenaries in Ukraine. There would be no "separatist" movement in Ukraine if it was not for russia. Which is why a hard line - a harder line than has been taken - must be taken against russia. Give Putin an inch (Crimea) and he will take a mile (Donbas... Mariupol... Odessa??) Detente doesn't work with such maniacs, which as a German you should be well aware. Lastly, my condolences for the air tragedy today. Thoughts and prayers to the families of those on board.
As far as Ukraine - russia has a fascist dictator as it's leader. It is high time the world calls a spade a spade. russia continues to supply weapons, soldiers & mercenaries in Ukraine. There would be no "separatist" movement in Ukraine if it was not for russia. Which is why a hard line - a harder line than has been taken - must be taken against russia. Give Putin an inch (Crimea) and he will take a mile (Donbas... Mariupol... Odessa??) Detente doesn't work with such maniacs, which as a German you should be well aware. Lastly, my condolences for the air tragedy today. Thoughts and prayers to the families of those on board.
33
"we have business in the rest of the ukraine"
There's the bottom-line - greed.
There's the bottom-line - greed.
9
The right thing to do would be for the west to impose a total trade embargo on Russia. Moreover, those nations that did trade with Russia should be sanctioned too, at least financially through the banking system. The country would soon implode - it can't even feed itself.