There really is only ONE way to look at this. Crimea is a part of the Ukraine....not Russia. Russia sends a large number of Spetsnaz to Crimea and then organizes a vote that is neither legal nor is it done in Russia but another Country. Then Putin say's it's OK. LOL!!! So....does that mean NATO can send in troops into St. Petersburg and set up a vote so that they can leave Russia and become part of NATO? AboveAlpha
The Ukraine has that provision, but procedure was not followed. If this were a democratic removal per normal government procedures, then what were all the firebombs and riots for? Why didn't the parliament make their vote before? It was only after the president was driven away, and enough of his supporters in the parliament, that they voted at all. Before that, they had no majority. They were threatened with weapons, their parliament building has been besieged, as well as even the presiden't office occupied by extremist fighters. They routinely threatened politicians. The vote would be under duress. Plus, once the president is ejected, there is no longer to vote for him anyway, which is why an ex post-defacto vote is meaningless. If you disagree, show me in their constitution where it says the change of government involves chasing away the president and taking over control of the government is meant to happen before the vote.
In opposition of two international principles 1 principle of inviolability of borders 2 the right to self-determination more equitable second one begins to win,albeit slowly
#2. is fine as long as it is done using the mechanisms provided in the Ukrainian Constitution will provides those mechanisms needed to create a referendum to succeed. This is far different from Russia providing the force and conditions for such a non-legal referendum to be held. AboveAlpha
Olbrate said during Kosovo-international law above national I hope Kosovo precedend helps Kharkov and Donbass
If Russia puts one single soldier into eastern Ukraine, the West will bankrupt Russia. sure, they may annex eastern Ukraine, but their children will end up poor and toothless.
So you're advocating a massive government bail-out for all Western companies and banks doing business in Russia? Just so we can vent our frustration? That will be popular!