[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

No, the 2010 election found to be corrupt fraught with irregularities such as intimidation, citizens going to vote to find out their ballot had already been cast; missing & “found” ballots. But, THANKFULLY that is history!

But, you probably recognize that 80% support for Putin is the Russian propaganda & disinformation.

Also, be aware that the EASTERN RUSSIA wants to split from Russian Federation with populace leading serial demonstrations in varied places to avoid punishment; Red Square had 1000’s of protestors AGAINST war with Ukraine; Russian conscripts ‘refusing to be sent to war in Ukraine’; No Putin is NOT popular! Also, the Russian Communist saboteurs, Separatists, Drug/alcoholic city thugs paid mercenaries, the Cossack mercenaries of DNR [self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republics] and LNR [self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic] have been warring within their own factions against themselves! The population have been brutalized by them & are NO LONGER SUPPORTIVE! There have mega videos and numerous articles & posts that Russian speaking people consider THEMSELVES UKRAINIAN NOT RUSSIAN! In total, according to a 2007 country-wide survey by the Institute of Sociology, only 0.5% of the respondents describe as belonging to a group that faces discrimination by language!!!!!! At the same time, this is not viewed as an important issue by most Ukraine’s citizens. On a cross-national survey involving, the Russian language, only 8% of respondents (concentrated primarily in Crimea and Donetsk) felt that the legal status of the Russian language this was an important issue!!!!!!

No, it may be CONVENIENT for outsiders to split a nation.. but look into our own backyard, should we split off California & Florida?

[Cronos]

well, no doubt there was all that corruption. However, the facts are that the east and south have a different sense from the north and west.

80% support for Putin -- well, I think pretty valid Western sources have shown that he does have a majority of support. Perhaps not 80%. I know Russians here and yes, there is support for Putin -- I think it's brainwashing

[Cronos]

1. Eastern Russia wants to split from Russian Federation --> can you give me links? Are you talking about Siberia or Kamchatka or both or...?

2. Red square had ... I didn't know that -- any links? There probably were, but I'd like to also read myself

3. Population has been brutalized and... --> the thing is that they have also been bombed by the Poroshenko government, so don't support them either.

[sparklite2]

“No, it may be CONVENIENT for outsiders to split a nation.. but look into our own backyard, should we split off California & Florida?”

Yes and no.