Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Putin says he reserves the right to use force in Ukraine
Putin maintains his right to use force in Ukraine if necessary. He claims that the conflict in Ukraine is a "humanitarian mission" and that he will do what it takes to protect Russians in Ukraine. He also bases his right to use force because it was granted to him by the former president (believed by Putin to still be the legitimate president) of Ukraine. While everyone involved is looking for a peaceful solution, things are getting more and more tense in Ukraine to say the least.
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I think this is the perfect situation where Russia and the United States can work together to accomplish a common interest. Both countries do not want Cold War 2, so by working together, Russia and the US can make sure that the situation is handled appropriately.
ReplyDeleteIn a recent interview, Governor Mitt Romney said that what many people do not know is that Russia is the greatest threat to America today. It is a common misperception for Americans to think that after the Cold War, Russia was no longer a threat. This is not true. This is why what I said above makes even more sense--to work with Russia to make sure both sides get what they want--so things do not escalate.
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ReplyDeleteI definitely disagree with Putin's assessment that, because the former Ukrainian president was not formally impeached, he is still in power and the temporary government is basically illegal. I disagree because there have been plenty of government overthrown throughout the centuries with a formal impeachment that have not been deemed illegal. In addition, I think Russia was a more then a little too quick to get involved in the Ukraine, whether Yanukovych asked for his help or not. I think Russia is up to something and the US should carefully consider its next moves.
ReplyDeleteThis is nothing more of a power grab and a muscle flex on the part of the Russians. Putin cannot possibly say that the Ukraine is more corrupt than Russia is given the fact that many of his political rivals have turned up dead. Russia is probably the most dangerous military threat that we face and we must respect it as such. The bottom line, however, is this: Putin must go.
ReplyDeleteRussia is looking to expand its influence in Ukraine. Ukraine has been peaceful now and I think the US needs to stay on standby, militarily. The instant Russia uses any sort of military power in Ukraine, however, I'm afraid the US will be forced to get involved. This will only increase tensions and Ukraine will become the battleground for a second Cold War, with a war actually being realized.
ReplyDeleteRussia clearly has an underlying motive here, we just haven't figured it out. Like Emily said, Russia wasted no time in intervening in the Ukraine. Although I would rather the US stay far away from this conflict, it seems as though we have a duty to protect the Ukraine, which might get us into something much bigger than this. I'm not too worried about another Cold War, but Russia definitely needs to be monitored.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'm worrried about what's going to happen with Russia and Ukraine, and very worried about how the Western nations will respond if Russia invades. Hopefully, this will all blow over; but, assuming Russia does invade Ukraine, I very much hope the US and friends react quickly. If there's anything we've learned from the first two world wars, it's that a slow response can be make a huge difference. I hope we don't respond slowly just because we just got out of Iraq/Afghanistan, because unlike those wars, this one might actually be necessary. If we let them take over Ukraine, that basically opens the door to take over more former satellite nations.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this conflict wil resolve itsself peacefully, and with no one harmed. No one wants another war or another Cold War. Putin is being very difficult and for some reason is trying to provoke war. With modern day technology, WMDs, and drones i think a war could be very distructive, obviously. So either Putin needs to go, or we need to work out this conflict soon.
ReplyDeleteI have watched this story with Diane Sawyer almost everyday on World News. I know that Russia invading Ukraine is bad, but according to the news stories I've seen, some people in the Ukraine view themselves as Russian citizens and want Russia to intervene. Everyone seems to be on their toes about what will happen next, but I really just want the United States to stay out of this. I don't understand why countries like France or Spain don't jump in to stop Russia, why is it always our job?
ReplyDeleteI have trouble believing that Putin is getting involved in Ukraine for humanitarian reasons. It seems like a lot of the cause of the crisis is Russia's fear of losing power over Ukraine. The anger of many Ukrainians that their government suddenly turned against the possibility of becoming more allied with Western Europe is what sparked the protests in the first place. Although it's true that there are many Russian-identifying people in Crimea, I think Putin cares more about retaining power over the area than protecting anyone's rights. Also, the Tatars in Crimea, who have been increasingly persecuted as a result of the crisis, probably need more protection than the Russians there.
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