A List of Russian Provocations Against Its Neighbors

[reorg]

69. Does Russia encircle the US with military bases?

The Russians haven't invaded anywhere. Russia supported and protected the South Ossetians when they were brutally attacked on behalf of a Georgian nutcase who is currently (in the US) on the run from the police, someone who had come to power under more than dubious circumstances. And Russia let Crimea join their Federation, following the wishes of the overwhelmingly Russian population of Crimea and the threat posed by the fascist takeover in Kiev.

In the years prior to these actions, Russia had always been a strong defender of the principle of state souvereignty. Over and over they had warned that US and NATO actions violating this principle were to have consequences at some point. Actually, only a few months prior to Georgia's attack on South Ossetia, Russia once again warned that acknowledging the independence of Kosovo against Serbia's objections would set a dangerous precedent. And that it would be remembered. The US didn't care, recognized Kosovo as they had intended from the getgo and most of the international community followed suit. Russia took the consequences.

Their voice had been ignored during the entire Kosovo crisis. The "humanitarian intervention" had been carried out in violation of international law. Obviously, if certain countries felt if it was justified and in their interest to act, they would no longer seek UNSC resolutions. They would not just invade, they would unilaterally recognize seceding states as independent to boot. When Russia warned that this precedent would have consequences, it was generally understood that they now might act in a similar manner in the case of South Ossetia. So, when Georgia invaded, with a little help from their mercenary friends, the Russians were on watch and intervened. The South Ossetians were happy. Likewise in Ukraine - after the unconstitutional coup in Kiev, Russia protected the Russian speaking majority and their own interests in Crimea by allowing them to join peacefully. No blood was shed, it was a perfect solution for everybody.

Now, as we all know, the disrespect for international law by "the West" did not stop with "humanitarian intervention". And even if a UNSC mandate is sought, we seem to extend it at will. The Russians would be utter fools not to take into account our greed for resources and disrespect for the sovereignty of states even when it comes to Russia itself. Naturally, they feel threatened by NATO's eastward extension and the construction of missile shields which might in the not too distant future enable the US to actually engage in direct, violent aggression towards Russia without fear of repercussions in their homeland. If the US continue to disregard this justified and legitimate concern by the Russians, tensions will increase and it will be first and foremost the Europeans who will suffer the consequences. That is where the danger for European security lies, and also for their well-being, as long as this war of sanctions continues.