Russia's Putin orders troops in military exercise back to base | Reuters

All those troops were in Russia. Russia still has lots of troops in the Ukraine.

with this new development whereas Crimea has decided to join the Russian Federation... things are gonna heat up!



Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- We're leaving. No, you're not.

That's where the crisis in Ukraine stood Thursday after lawmakers in Crimea voted in favor of leaving the country for Russia and putting it to a regional vote in 10 days.

It's an act that drew widespread condemnation, with Ukrainian interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk calling the effort to hold such a referendum "an illegitimate decision."

"Crimea was, is and will be an integral part of Ukraine," he said.

It was a sentiment echoed by a number of world leaders, with U.S. President Barack Obama calling the proposed referendum a violation of international law.

"Any discussion about the future of Ukraine must include the legitimate government of Ukraine," Obama said in a brief statement from the White House on Thursday. "In 2014, we are well beyond the days when borders can be redrawn over the heads of democratic leaders."

It's not clear how easily the region could split off from Ukraine even if the referendum endorses the move.

I'm a fan and believer in self determination. If the Crimean people vote in favour of leaving Ukraine and joining Russia instead through the referendum, I personally don't see why the Ukraine government in Kiev should persuade them to stay. There is just no point. It's kind of like how Scotland is planning for a vote / referendum to see if they should stay in the UK. If it is the people's wish to want out, just let them go.

The only thing is, if separation is to occur, I think both the main Ukraine government and the Crimea government should make arrangements to accommodate those Crimeans that wish to stay as Ukrainians instead of becoming Russians.

I love to see what happens if Quebec were to do the same.

what made me :rofl: is CNN had a segment with senators/governors dissing Russia for being hypocrites because they were against the Us invading countries without the UNs backing :lol how do they even have the gall to make such a comparison

I hesitated to include Quebec as an example because IMO, the pro-separatist little twerps in Quebec lead by Marois are only exploiting the separatist ideal to milk Ottawa for all it is worth. Only Ottawa is stupid enough to repeatedly cater to their temper tantrums. If the PM (whoever he may be, depending on how every election results) has any brains, he would have done what the UK PM, David Cameron, did and allow Quebec to proceed with a legally recognized and binding referendum.

Crimea is an autonomous country, similar to Palestine which is technically located on Israel's territory. Western media is reporting that Crimea is a part of the Ukraine, which is simply not true. Crimea has its own constitution and it's own government. If the people vote to join Russia, there's nothing illegitimate about it.

The situation can't be compared to Quebec since it's a part of Canada, not an autonomous country.

The main reason why the US doesn't want Russia to control Crimea, is because of the Black Sea naval base. Controlling that naval base would mean direct access to the Black Sea, which the US sees as a threat.

^^ And that is why the comparison to Scotland is especially appropriate.

Great explanation of the situation here, including history and a look at the current situation from 2 different narratives:

On a side note - John (host/narator) is awesome. The Crash Course Channel where I saw him narrate is addicting.

Word. I watched the entire World History and US History series.

Prepare for war ?at any moment,? Ukrainian president warns after Putin sends 8,500 soldiers, 270 tanks to border | National Post

Ukraine must be ready for a full-scale Russian invasion “at any moment,” the country’s acting president warned Thursday, as officials announced the emergency call-up of a 60,000-strong national guard force.

Russian troops invade Kherson Oblast, Ukrainians declare right to fight back

Russian troops invade Kherson Oblast, Ukrainians declare right to fight back

Without the help of the UN OR Europe or the US army they don't really stand a chance.

So Russia has annexed Crimea from Ukraine :heckno:

Does this mean they will leave Ukraine alone now?

ukraine will probably do something stupid to entice an invasion

or ukraine will gain entrance to the EU/NATO pronto and Russia will back off

It's still pretty funny how the media fails to report the fact that Crimea is an autonomous nation with it's own constitution. If they choose to join another country, that is their decision. Crimea was always a part of Russia for hundred's of years, which is why the majority of the population there is Russian. RUssia is simply getting back territory which was always theirs. Gotta love the media

If you knew more about what you're talking about, you probably wouldn't be so outraged at "the media"

Ah well considering I was born and raised in Russia and studied Russian history I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about. Thanks for the tip though

This guy

no...just no

Western media being a joke? sure i get that, the US wagging its finger as a joke? sure i get that too
But Russia invading Crimea and holding a mock vote is also a joke

So now Turkey is stepping in saying Crimea should be returned to them? They are citing a treaty from the Ottoman Empire :ahwow: :fulloffuck:

This might be a way of getting NATO involved

(so much for Crimea being "always a part of Russia" by the guy who "studied Russian history" ;) Try studying world history, and you might get the non-propaganda version of what is really going on ;))

It should be returned to Turkey because the population speaks Turkish.

"According to the agreement, signed by the the Russian empress Catherine the Great on April 19, 1783, the Crimean peninsula will pass from the Ottoman empire to the Russian empire."

Crimea has been a part of the Russian empire since 1783. In the context of modern history, 200+ years is considered "always"

“However, one of the most important points is the clause that stipulates conditions that if the peninsula does not declare its independence then it cannot be transferred to a third party. Otherwise, Crimea must automatically be returned under the aegis of Turkey,”

Not sure where you come up with 200 years being "always" but no