by vladimir
Tue Apr 22nd, 2008 at 04:33:37 PM EST
Russian Information Agency (http://en.rian.ru/) just released a statement made by Alexei Ostrovsky, the head of the State Duma committee on CIS affairs:
"Russia could claim Crimea if Ukraine joins NATO - MP
A senior member of the Russian lower house of parliament said on Wednesday that Russia could claim the Crimea if Ukraine was admitted to NATO."
This is the beginning of Ukraine's disintegration process. After the Crimea, it's likely that Eastern Ukraine will follow suit. In my opinion, this is precisely the outcome that US and European hawks are hoping for. A fratricidal war between Russia and the Ukrainians would weaken both and likely make it much more difficult for Russia to throw its diplomatic weight in other areas of the globe.
Real power is the ability to preserve peace in your own territory.
Diary rescue by Migeru