Well, I am convinced by this referendum. It's definitely the will of the majority on Crimea to become Russians. Good luck to them. I hope Russia will treat them really well.

Sure, I can spot that there was no third option on the ballot, and that the campaigning situation gave Russia an edge. Defininitely a lot of money was spent on some very populistic campaigning. But looking at the convincing figures, the high level of participation and the exultation in people celebrating, it's still definitely the will of the majority.

And it doesn't matter if it had been done perfectly by the book.... The EU and USA, and in extension, media in these countries would never have approved of the referendum regardless. Might as well not bother trying.

As for Ukraine ..this type of thing that happens, if a counry alienates minorities and exerts language oppression. The EU collectively knows this, but supported coup makers that they know don't tolerate minorities. I think the EU did Ukraine a disservice, and that many Ukrainians let themselves be manipulated.

Hopefully the new government in Kiev will consider how they treat minority people in Ukraine in light of this.

It wouldn't surprise me if this referendum and the outcome will serve as a catalyst for other European areas that also find themselves in the wrong country, or would like independence. There are plenty.

So this will be the THIRD country that a 35 year old+ Crimean is a citizen of, without actually moving!