“Uh huh. How can Russia negotiate on behalf of people they have no affiliation with.”
Russia has had a long affiliation with the people and territory of Crimea.
Just 50 years ago that territory and population were part of Russia proper as it had been sense 1784. The largest share of the population is Ethic Russian not Ukrainian, and of course until the 1990’s all of it was part of the USSR.
One could say with some accuracy that Russia has stronger ties to Crimea than does the Ukraine.
“One could say with some accuracy that Russia has stronger ties to Crimea than does the Ukraine.”
Yes. People who speak with very little accuracy and spout Russian propaganda.
If this were the case, Russia would not have had to illegally annex the Crimea.