General Discussion

Democracyinkind

(4,015 posts)

8. I don't think that this is about the people

Sun Mar 2, 2014, 08:35 AM

Mar 2014

IMHO Russia would try to hold on to the Crimea even if the people there were all French.

Strategically, the Crimea is essential to Russia. They can not afford to lose it as it is the hinge of its force projection in the near and middle east, Mediterranean and Africa.

The Soviets "gave" Crimea to the Ukraine because it didn't matter as it was a deal between friends in the Warsaw pact.

Even after Ukrainian independence, Russian force projection in Crimea has always bested that of the Ukraine. The Ukrainian fleet has been dependent on Russia even after independence and that has only begun to change in the last decade. Russia has a grip on the Ukrainian navy and on most forces in the Ukraine even if those are nominally independent. What little force the Ukraine has in the Crimea that is truly loyal is no match for Russian capabilities.

In short, holding on to the Crimea is considered essential to Russian national security. As Americans, we have a good idea of what that means.

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Highlight:

"Let them secede" European style? [View all] hedgehog Mar 2014 OP

you know more than I...Steve Kornacki's panel is discussing this situation now... CTyankee Mar 2014 #1

Steve Kornacki does a great job!!!! n/t RKP5637 Mar 2014 #3

The Crimea is historically Russian. reformist2 Mar 2014 #2

It's historically Tatar. Tommy_Carcetti Mar 2014 #4

Forced relocation and genocide, to boot. joshcryer Mar 2014 #6

True. But my claim matches with the current ethnic makeup. It belongs with Russia. reformist2 Mar 2014 #7

So Ukraine should just acquiese to Russification? nt Tommy_Carcetti Mar 2014 #12

Well, the Hawaiians "acquiesced" to Americanization Fumesucker Mar 2014 #13

Yes, but power-wise, that fact hasn't mattered in centuries. Democracyinkind Mar 2014 #11

That's what I thought - to me it doesn't make sense for Ukraine to hedgehog Mar 2014 #10

This doesn't end good no matter what option you pick. joshcryer Mar 2014 #5

I don't think that this is about the people Democracyinkind Mar 2014 #8

Crimea at present - maybe more to follow in the south and east. dipsydoodle Mar 2014 #9

You have admitted you know nothing Jenoch Mar 2014 #14

Thank you for your assistance. hedgehog Mar 2014 #15