Russia has built up enough troops to invade eastern Ukraine, along with air and armor support said NATO's military chief. It is suspected that a full scale invasion could be executed within 12 hours if Putin chooses to do so. While the Russians say they have no intention of invading Ukraine, their actions speak louder than their words, as usual. This is quite concerning as Russia invading Ukraine, a country that just underwent a revolution to separate themselves from Russia, could lead to massive bloodshed and a very quick escalation of tensions between Russia and the western world. It will be interesting to see what Russia chooses to do, and the wests response to their actions. A full scale invasion could spell dis
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Obama made a speech in Brussels today, the main topic being the possibility of new sanctions against Russia, and there are reports that the EU has drafted "powerful" sanctions that will be put in place against Russia if they move any further into the Ukraine, although nothing is specified. In his speech Obama is quoted as saying that Russia "will recognize that they cannot achieve security, prosperity and status...through brute force". While I think this is a good goal, I am curious to see what both Obama and the rest of the western world actually do because thus far it looks to me as if Russia certainly has achieved their goals through brute force and the world has done little to stop it. I don't claim to be an expert on international politics and I would have to spend a lot of time thinking about the specific sanctions I would implement if I had the power to do so, but I am willing to say that not enough has been done. Putin has stated more than once that he wants to see the Soviet Union restored to its former glory, and Russia's actions in Crimea along with the worlds response tell me this is not just a pipe dream. I'm curious what you all think should be done. I think I've made my beliefs pretty clear, but if you think I'm wrong leave me a comment and try to change my mind. Or if you have specifi
In the past few days Russia's plans for annexing Crimea have moved quickly and with little opposition. The people of Crimea voted on a referendum to "reunite with Russia" (Putin's words) with 86% of those eligible to vote turning out and nearly 96% of them voting in favor of the referendum (1). After the votes had been counted Putin addressed a large portion of the Russian government, informing them that Crimean officials have signed a treaty with Moscow officially making Crimea a part of Russia, at least in Russia's eyes. Earlier today Russian forces along with local militia's peacefully took over two Ukrainian Navy Bases, including the headquarters of the Ukrainian Navy, detaining the chief of the Ukrainian Navy in the process. Meanwhile officials in Kiev have stated that Ukrainian forces will be withdrawn from the Crimea region, a move that will almost certainly embolden Putin further (2). While the rest of the world may not officially recognize the annexation of Crimea into Russia, for those living in Crimea the deal is welcomed and appears nearly inevitable, especially as Ukraine withdraws its troops and surrenders military bases. While politicians and scholars around the world argue over the legality of Russia's moves and Crimea's referendum, Russian forces occupy Crimea unopposed. The goal of this blog, besides to get a good grade in my Digital Marketing class, is to have a discussion. I am curious to see what people think of Russia's actions as there are some great arguments to be had on both sides of the debate. I for one have trouble supporting Russia's actions because they have occupied a part of a sovereign nation with no legal grounds for doing so. That being said, the people of Crimea seem to overwhelmingly favor Russia over Ukraine, and I have a hard time disagreeing with the people who these issues directly effect. I for one am utterly baffled by this situation and see no solution in the near future. Hopefully some of you are smarter than me. If you've gotten this far please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. P.S. I highly recommend you read Putin's address, or at least some of it, available at: http://www.ibtimes.com/russia-president-vladimir-putins-address-crimea-referendum-full-text-1562259 It provides a completely different perspective from what you may read on CNN or NBC. A counterpoint is presented here: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/19/opinion/motyl-putin-speech/index.html?hpt=hp_t4 I'll let you decide who is right. ESources:
1: http://www.ibtimes.com/russia-president-vladimir-putins-address-crimea-referendum-full-text-1562259 2: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26656617 |