Kerry privately urges Poroshenko to provide evidence of Kremlin involvement with separatists in Ukra

[happyslug]

64. And you expected anyone is a war to tell the Truth?????

When the Crimea was taken over by Russia, Putin was very careful, he made sure no Russian Soldier or Sailor opened fire first. Such soldiers could defend themselves, but they had to retreat if they could. Any actual take over was done by locals under the supervision of Russian Troops.

Now, Russia had the RIGHT to defend its basis in the Ukraine, even from the Ukrainian AND Russian had the right, by treaty to send in troops if Russia thought it was necessary to do so.

Putin NEVER denied the above, for the simple reason everyone could see it happening.

AS to taking over the basis, Putin made sure no photo of Russian Soldiers in Russian Uniform were taken by the simple policy of issuing new black uniforms to the troops sent in. Thus the troops actually taking over various parts of the Crimea, where never accepted as Russian Troops. In fact I do not believe Putin has made that claim to this day. Putin HAD awarded awards to Russian Units that took part in the take over, but only as support for "Crimea Forces" or to "prevent" violence between Ukrainian forces and the Crimea Forces (i.e. told the Ukrainians to surrender so they would attack them as breaking the "peace" with the Crimea forces.

You may say this is unimportant, nothing but propaganda, and to a degree you would be right. On the other hand Putin can NOT be charged with taking over the Crimea for the only thing we have on paper or video supports the above.

Thus Putin has kept his word, he did NOT permit "RUSSIAN" Troops into the Crimea other then as permitted by his treaty with the Ukraine. You can NOT trace any of the actual takeover of the Military bases to Russian Troops, for the Troops that actually took them over always said they were NOT Russian Troops but Crimea Troops. Putin can claim he had no command over troops of the Crimea till the Crimea voted to become part of Russia. He kept this word to the letter of the law. That is what everyone hates him, you can NOT prove he broke international law. His awarded of awards were to Russian Units that did what they were permitted to do under the terms of the Treaty he had with the Ukraine. Thus proves nothing except Putin will protect Russian Interest within the confines of International Law.