Putin On Ukraine: What He Said, What He Meant (Decoding Putin Alert)

CS Monitor ^ | 3/04/2014 | Fred Weir

[goldstategop]

Russia will only recognize a new Ukrainian government after nationwide elections have been held. But they must not take place in the same "atmosphere of terror" that was created by the abrupt overthrow of Yanukovych in Kiev ten days ago. Putin added the intriguing suggestion that Ukrainians might escape from their present impasse by rewriting their national charter. "Frankly, they should adopt a new constitution through a referendum so that all citizens of Ukraine feel engagement in that process, have an input on the formation of the new principles of how their nation should function."

A new constitution for Ukraine, prepared under Russian pressure, might enshrine the country's non-aligned status – thereby blocking NATO membership forever – or even "federalize" the country by spinning off powers to the regions and permanently weakening the central government, a situation that would suit Moscow just fine.

● As for the threat of Western sanctions against Russia, Putin says 'bring it on.' Alluding to Europe's dependence on Russian gas supplies, he noted, “Of course we can tarnish each other to some degree but this tarnishing will be reciprocal and this is something they should think about."

The message: Ukraine is more important to Russia than the threat of Western boycotts and sanctions. Period.

[elhombrelibre]

What do you mean, “Know who you’re talking to, (sic) before you put up ingnert babble like that.” I posted nothing to you and your own post seems to not follow you’re own advice.