Right on. The peaceful intent of the Ukranians is well- demonstrated in the language of the 1994 Budaest accord, filed at the UN and signed by Clinton, where she voluntarily gave up her nuclear weapons, in return for promises for US, GB, and Russia to respect her sovereignty. (There is no binding treaty, and we have no obligation to get involved militarily) Military involvement by us would be foolish,just ask Winston & Rudyard how that worked out. The Black Sea Fleet is a silly prestige item, neutered by the Dardanelles, Suez, Gibralter, only good for local bullying. Let the goose cook. Thanks for the comment.
I agree with your analysis. Those unfamiliar with history are ignorant of the undercurrents which drive this situation. They post nonsense such as “Crimea was part of Russia until the 50s” without knowing the context, method or meaning of Russia’s presence in the area and what the “Russian Crimea” really is.
As you pointed out the Crimean people care most about the local tourism industry which they all put aside their differences to make a go of. If one ethnicity starts taking sides and supporting external interests and occupation then the whole thing unravels and everyone loses. Yes, I agree Putin will be blamed all around for “losing Crimea” in one fashion or another.