And also, didn't Russia just ANNEXED Crimea?
Crimea was part of Russia from 1783 to 1954. In 1954, the ethnic Ukrainian Nikita Khrushchev transferred Crimea to Ukraine illegally, despite the peninsula having a solid ethnic Russian majority. As a result of ethnicide from the Ukrainians (such as ban on the usage of Russian language), the Crimeans voted to go back to Russia. There was no annexation.
I don't remember any voting to secede taking place. All I remember is there was a "coup" which installed a pro-EU president. Before anyone can say cheese, bam, you already have heavily-armed, pro-Russia "rebels" in Crimea. Then you have Russian forces in, taking control of the place.
Also, aren't Russians not the true natives there? I believe Empress Catherine expelled the Tatars when Russia first annexed Crimea.
And also, didn't Russia just ANNEXED Crimea?
Crimea was part of Russia from 1783 to 1954. In 1954, the ethnic Ukrainian Nikita Khrushchev transferred Crimea to Ukraine illegally, despite the peninsula having a solid ethnic Russian majority. As a result of ethnicide from the Ukrainians (such as ban on the usage of Russian language), the Crimeans voted to go back to Russia. There was no annexation.
The world does not recognize the annexation of Crimea. Only Russians think so. Also peoples have the right to self-determination but only a part of the country on whose territory they reside. You forgot the reaction of Russia to self-determination of the Chechen Republic?
Maybe because they're not ethnic Russians? Ethnic Russians in former Soviet states outside Russia are valuable because it gives Kremlin a "just" reason to interfere in their behalf.
Will not be ethnic Russians there are other reasons. Do you remember how the Russians provoked Georgia? Just Russian President provocateur and his dream to restore the Soviet Union. Too bad that the West did ttot do not understand and very little response to it.