Quote Originally Posted by diogen_ View Post
Croc, how can they become independent with such a deficit?
Sorry for the late response, I just recently got back to the MR and I have a lot of reading to do to catch up with you guys..

To answer your question, I honestly have no idea as I am not a professional in Crimean budget and to be honest I have yet a lot to learn in the field of finance. All I said was that I personally noticed many Crimeans were unhappy to be part of Ukraine mainly because of their local interests being constantly ignored and/or diminished. So, my understanding of the situation is that a certain part of the Crimean 'political elite' tried to use the opportunity of the central power in Kiev being weaker than usual to wrestle a better autonomy, but the negotiations failed. Kiev believed they have 'the West and the entire world' on their side so they felt strong. Hence, the moves of the Crimean Parliament were declared illegal and Kiev had opened legal cases against Crimean MPs. So, the Parliament had the only choice left. Apparently, Russia made an offer the Crimean MPs couldn't refuse.

So, my forecast for Crimea to stay with Ukraine turned out to be wrong. I though Crimea would be used for negotiations with the EU/US, but it seems those guys were able to strike a different deal. Now, I hear Russia wants to have Alaska back or something like that.. Gosh.. Was that Maidan revolt worth it all? Why not to just wait for Yanukovich's term to expire in less than a year and elect a new leader?