Ukraine: Tragedy of a Nation Divided
As for the Crimea, it is likely to be a de facto part of Russia for the foreseeable future, whether or not the West recognizes that as “legal.” For decades, the U.S. and most of its Western allies refused to recognize the incorporation of the three Baltic countries in the Soviet Union. This eventually was an important factor in their liberation. However, the Crimea is quite different in one key respect: most of its people, being Russian, prefer to be in Russia. In fact, one can argue that it is in the political interest of Ukrainian nationalists to have Crimea in Russia. Without the votes from Crimea, Viktor Yanukovich would never have been elected president.
Regardless of what you or I think, Putin believes Crimea is an intrinsic part of Russia. He said so in his July 2021 article ”On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians“
“However, the Crimea is quite different in one key respect: most of its people, being Russian, prefer to be in Russia.”
Then they can move to Russia, but they can’t take Ukrainian territory with them.
The Ukrainian constitution addresses these things: Any and all referenda for autonomy or independence must be put to a vote of all Ukrainians, and not just those in in the subject areas. Which makes sense, because separation would affect all Ukrainians.
“Regardless of what you or I think, Putin believes Crimea is an intrinsic part of Russia. He said so in his July 2021 article ‘On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians’”
Oh, too funny!
Putin has insulted and vilified Ukrainians for years; and on the flip side, Ukrainians have a white-hot hatred of Russians.
Some unity.