The majority of the population in Crimea is clearly pro-Russian. That is why this takeover has been bloodless. There are no protests or violence directed against the Russian military in Crimea. If Putin overplayed his hand and moved into eastern Ukraine then there would be violence. Comparing Muslim Afghanistan to Russian speaking Crimea is unsophisticated nonsense.
The reason it’s bloodless is because of good discipline by the Ukrainian army, got nothing to do with civilians. Putin would love to have them fire the “first shot.” Ukrainians outsmarted him, and if they play it right, could be big PR disaster if Crimeans continue fleeing, for economic, political, or security reasons, leaving a lot of Muslim Tatars and a few ethnic Russians in the Southeast corner.
Putin gets nothing he didn’t have before, and looks like a turd at the opera in world opinion. His personal wealth took a $5 billion hit on Monday (12% of $40 billion) I think that’s why he calmed down a little.
Unbelievable some of the garbage that is appearing in the media.
Crimea voted by over 70% for full independence from Ukraine a while back, and Kiev rejected it. Hence, it became an autonomous republic within Ukraine.