The Crimea has historically been part of Russia since the reign of Czar Peter I. Before that it was a province of the Ottoman Empire. Before that it belonged to the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium for those subjected to the biases of Western History). The population is overwhelmingly ethnic Russian with no love for the Ukraine. The USSR placed the Crimea under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ukrainian SSR when they were still part of USSR.
Any respect at all for the right of popular self determination would land Crimea inside Russia. I have my differences with Putin (and Trump), but on this subject they are both right.
And lastly there is no way Crimea is ever going back to Ukraine short of a major war. So rather than bleating about things that we can’t change, which only advertises our weakness, it would seem a good idea to accept the fait accompli and move on.
Which was a purely symbolic act by Khrushchev, who was trying to curry favor with the Ukrainians when he was in the power struggle to replace Stalin.
More than that, we need just a tad bit of realism.
Short of war, what are you going to do about it? This is the “impeachment question” that the GOP won’t answer. Sure, you oppose Obama and Obamacare. So what? Prove it. Impeach him or shut down government. What’s that? You won’t? Then you don’t oppose Obama.
There is no way under dubious circumstances we or ANY western power is going to engage in military action to try to force Russia out of territory on its doorstep, regardless of your (correct) historical analysis here.
To jump on Trump for stating reality is both hypocritical and downright stupid.
After centuries of Russian mass murder and deportation in Crimea there just are not many locals left there. I wouldn’t doubt a majority of ethnic Russians living there now would vote to be in Russia. That is a big part of the reason Ukraine gave it up without a fight, IMO.
Your post is excellent.
I would only add, that the alternative to Russia having the Crimea, is that Turkey takes over, as they are poised to do. That would mean, in turn, that ISIS has a new base, right on the edge of Europe.
Very good analysis. It’s done.Sounds like the Press wants WWIII. We can parachute them into Ukraine then and...good luck.
Add safe passage for the other 10%?
....”there is no way Crimea is ever going back to Ukraine short of a major war”....
Correct. It’s a done deal.