The so-called revolution in Ukraine and the subsequent removal of its pro-Kremlin president, Viktor Yanukovych has been phenomenal not only for the country itself but also for the whole European continent. Many have described it as counter measure against the Unilateral US – led ‘world order’ led by a resurgent Russia under its iron –fisted president Vladimir Putin. Many were skeptical about Kremlin’s intentions too, pointing at the expansionist policies of the Russian nation, starting from the days of its early Czars. Anyway, Yanukovych’s anti- EU polices, especially his decision of not to sign an Economic treaty with the EU made many in Ukraine, especially in the west angry, and it gave birth to a movement called ‘Euromaidan’ and culminated in widespread unrest and resignation of Mr.Yanukovych.
A new government came to power then, and there were widespread fears about a possible invasion by Russia on the context that the new government (which made up of reactionary forces, according to Kremlin) would be starting to mistreat the Russian speakers in the East and South. Russian forces started to move near its Ukrainian border, and there were sporadic clashes between the Pro- and Anti- Kremlin camps. There was a huge talk about a possible Russian invasion of Crimea, Which is after all; a territory belonged to the Russians until it was gifted to Ukraine, which was then a Soviet Republic, by the leaders of USSR.
On 18th of March of this year, Putin gave an emotional speech at the Russian parliament, recalling the Russian legends of Prince Vladimir and said this was the base of the Russian Black fleet. He talked at the graves of numerous Russian soldiers at Sevastopol, stressing the regions historical links with the mainland. On 21st of March, based on a referendum, Crimea was officially incorporated to the Russian Federation. This was widely criticized as ‘an act of aggression which demands immediate action from the world’.
Soon after the annexation, unrest spread to the Russian speaking regions, with the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk proclaiming their independence. There were intense fighting lasting for days and even weeks, between the separatists and the Ukrainian army. The Ukrainian army suffered heavy losses initially and doubts about the involvement of Russian soldiers in the conflict were also widely expressed. The birth of a new confederation called ‘ Novorossiya’ made between Lugansk and Donetsk had complicated the matter further. The fatal crash of MH17 created a huge uproar, calling for an urgent intervention in Ukraine from the World community.
Now, Ukraine has been heading for an election, which will be very important not only for that country, but for the whole region. According to some estimates, thousands have died in this conflict and many were internally displaced. Now there exists a ceasefire, but that will not simplify the already complicated situation. The Russian speaker’s fear they will be discriminated under the new government and the government forces says all of these claims are baseless. It will be good if supranational organizations like the UN or EU can act or persuade the warring parties to reach at an understanding with the help of all global powers, including Russia. The issue must be solved amicably because it is the reason for the deaths of thousands. The country might be needing infrastructure to rebuild, especially in the war-torn regions, and a collective effort will only suffice.
The Sky's the limit 