Thread: Crimea joining the Russian Federation and its implications?

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]?