Thread: Crimea joining the Russian Federation and its implications?

Originally Posted by diogen_

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?

Originally Posted by Crocodile

Why not to just wait for Yanukovich's term to expire in less than a year and elect a new leader?

It was more than a year, not that it matters.

My opinion:
1. There was no chance whatsoever of even remotely fair elections.
2. Nevertheless, I don't think this Maidan happened intentionally. I think the opposition was preparing it exactly to the next elections -- "Maidan 2004 version 2". But it happened, and they had no choice but participate. Then Yanukovich signed something with Putin. From what I read about it, I got convinced (maybe not only me) -- the Ukraine became no more than a province of Russia. If the West got that impression too -- this could explain their determination.

Originally Posted by E-learner

From what I read about it, I got convinced (maybe not only me) -- now the Ukraine is no more than a province of Russia.

What you're saying makes sense.. So you're saying they got to the power last time through the revolution, so they did not want to waste the time [letting Yanukovich sign something they will not respect anyways] and started the revolution right away [for the fear the elections will not be fair]?

Originally Posted by Crocodile

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..

Haha you are very polite, just jump in.

I have been in a bit of a vacuum recently unfortunately due to having been in a car accident, so I also have alot of catching up to do!

It seems to me that most nations can point to a time in their history when they wronged others and there comes a time when people need to try and put that behind them rather than letting that rule every future decision.

Doesn't the result of the referendum speak for itself? Surely that is a democratic action and therefore uniting a democratic result.

I'm still confused why a country like the US, who has a rather brutal history itself and rarely democratically decide anything, have any right in speaking out against anything.

Originally Posted by Twonkybot

I'm still confused why a country like the US, who has a rather brutal history itself and rarely democratically decide anything, have any right in speaking out against anything.

Well my friend, you haven't watched enough BBC, or CNN, lately, obviously!
And you need to listen to what William Hague and Catherine Ashton have to say.
If the USA says it's right, then it's right, never mind precedence, history or common logic.
Pick up the Daily Telegraph, it will explain all......

Originally Posted by Twonkybot

I have been in a bit of a vacuum recently unfortunately due to having been in a car accident, so I also have alot of catching up to do!

It seems to me that most nations can point to a time in their history when they wronged others and there comes a time when people need to try and put that behind them rather than letting that rule every future decision.

Doesn't the result of the referendum speak for itself? Surely that is a democratic action and therefore uniting a democratic result.

I'm still confused why a country like the US, who has a rather brutal history itself and rarely democratically decide anything, have any right in speaking out against anything.

I hope the accident wasn't too serious.
Btw, I only added the history of Crimean Tatar raids into Russia as a possible explanation for the distrust that led to their exile.

This is interesting. The shots that killed both the pro-Russian and the Ukrainian soldier in Crimea yesterday were fired from the same location by a sniper. They also believe that the sniper's a member of the "Right Sector". *cough cough* the snipers on the Maidan *cough cough*.
Задержан один из симферопольских снайперов — Петр Лихоманов —

Originally Posted by UhOhXplode

Btw, I only added the history of Crimean Tatar raids into Russia as a possible explanation for the distrust that led to their exile.

Hmm.. I wouldn't immediately agree with that. The Soviet regime at some point in its time used to displace peoples for various reasons, so the real reason remains uknown.

Population transfer in the Soviet Union - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I suspect the historical relationship [of several hunded years ago] between the Crimean Tatars and Slavs were probably the least important in the list of the reasons.
Besides, what nation have never traded slaves in their history?

Culturally, the Crimean Tatars strongly associate themselves with Turkey, so if given a chance they would do anything they could to become part of Turkey again.