General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Do political pundits who deny the Russian invasion of Crimea deserve to be taken seriously at DU? [View all]Tommy_Carcetti
(43,182 posts)Given that literally days before the Russians made their move Yanukovych had left Kiev, so things were still reeling. That's why Putin's move to seize Crimea was so optimal--he knew he'd never have a better chance than that. And apparently that's why he had already drawn up plans to move in even before Yanukovych chippered out. And once Russia annexed Crimea, any attempt by the Ukrainians to reclaim it military would mean going up against the Russian army proper. So Putin knew he had a once in a lifetime opportunity to claim Crimea for the Russian Federation, and he took it. Carpe Crimea.
As for the separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk, perhaps I'm wrong but I honestly don't think the endgame for them is an independent Donbass state. Nor is it to be part of a federalized Ukraine. Their intention is to join Russia.