Russia has reason to act in Crimea, we don’t

As the situation heats up in Europe over Russia’s so-called invasion of Crimea, it is important to realize that the unfolding series of events is entirely fresh and unique.

Crimea, a semi-autonomous region of Ukraine, has made major headlines in recent weeks as the political unrest in Ukraine worsens.

Recently, many world leaders, including President Barack Obama, have criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his decision to suport a referendum on March 16 on whether Crimea should leave Ukraine and become part of Russia.

According to the BBC, the majority of Crimea’s citizens are ethnic Russians. In addition, Crimea was part of Russia from 1783 to 1954. In theory and reality, Crimea is very Russian-influenced.

After Putin sent troops to partially occupy Crimea, Obama annoucned that the U.S. Treasury Department could issue sanctions to people involved with the increasing Russian presence in Crimea, according to the Washington Post.

Although some may question Putin’s clear intentions in Crimea, it is unfair that he is receiving so much international scrutiny.

Instead of being blasted by his detractors, Putin should be applauded for taking a stance and trying to make sure that all ethnic-Russians have the opportunity to be part of his country.

Why exactly did Putin decide to support a referendum that could make Crimea part of Russia?

Surely he knew the political consequences of such an action could be catastrophic.

It’s impossible to know exactly what Putin’s true intentions are. One can guess, however, that protecting Russia’s interest in Crimea, amidst one of the most serious political situations in Europe, was of the utmost importance.
One of Russia’s sea bases lies in Crimea at Sevastopol, the BBC said.

If Sevastopol were to fall into pro-Western hands, Putin could potentially lose one of his country’s most important ports.

Allowing Crimeans to decide whether or not they should become part of Russia could prevent the country from falling into pro-Western hands, thus benefiting Putin.

Although he will most likely face negative consequences because of his actions in Crimea, Putin has most likely calculated the pros and cons in this situation.

What’s the worst that can happen if Crimea becomes part of Russia?

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that, “Putin isn’t exactly like Hitler; he’s just doing a lot of Hitler-like things.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Some opponents of Putin’s new plan have pointed to Hitler’s annexation of Austria in 1938 as an indicator of how annexation eventually leads to widespread chaos and war.

According to History.com, former Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg asked for a national vote to be held before Germany’s annexation.

Before it was held, however, Schuschnigg resigned and Germany forcibly took Austria.

There may be Russian troops, or pro-Russian Crimean troops in Crimea, but nothing has indicated that Putin is willing to march in with guns without holding a democratic vote.

Although it’s impossible to predict how the public will vote on Sunday, one can hope that the referendum is fair.

Applying Western standards to an Eastern situation is foolish.

Let’s face it, most Americans never knew that Crimea existed before this crisis. Acting as though our country has a vested interest in Crimea is hypocritical.