Russian Moves Raise Specter Of Wider Confrontation; New Ukraine Leaders Vow To Prevent Breakup

[Purveyor]

SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine — Masked gunmen stormed parliament in Ukraine's strategic Crimea region Thursday as Russian fighter jets scrambled to patrol borders, while the newly formed government pledged to prevent a national breakup with strong backing from the West — the stirrings of a potentially dangerous confrontation reminiscent of Cold War brinksmanship.

Moscow granted shelter to Ukraine's fugitive president, Viktor Yanukovych, state media said. He was said to be holed up in a luxury government retreat and to have scheduled a news conference Friday near the Ukrainian border.

As gunmen wearing unmarked camouflage uniforms erected a sign reading "Crimea is Russia" in the provincial capital, Ukraine's interim prime minister declared the Black Sea territory "has been and will be a part of Ukraine."

The escalating conflict sent Ukraine's finances plummeting further, prompting Western leaders to prepare an emergency financial package.

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For Ukraine's neighbors, the specter of Ukraine breaking up evoked memories of centuries of bloody conflict.

"Regional conflicts begin this way," said Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, calling the confrontation "a very dangerous game."

more...

http://www.startribune.com/world/247435411.html

[Nuclear Unicorn]

1. "Masked gunmen stormed parliament in Ukraine's strategic Crimea..."

These must be the representatives of the "Democratically Elected Government" we keep hearing so much about. This is even better --

As gunmen wearing unmarked camouflage uniforms erected a sign reading "Crimea is Russia"

That's the giveaway. Yanukovych is a Russian stooge just so Putin could relive his glory days in the USSR.

[dipsydoodle]

2. Crimea has only been part of Ukraine since 1954.

It has since been an autonomous parliamentary republic, within Ukraine , with its own constitution. I think the Crimea will do as it pleases following a referendum which has already been announced - its called democracy.

[Purveyor]

3. It will only be called 'democracy' if the West enjoys the outcome. eom

[dipsydoodle]

4. Indeed.

.

[KoKo]

11. Spreading Democracy around the world........

Oh Yeah. Who believes that crap anymore. Bush, Cheney, Rummy ruined that Neo-Con Dream forever! They aren't giving up...but, their influence is in it's last days.

They OVER REACHED!

[Xolodno]

5. Bingo!

[Adrahil]

9. And some here won't be happy unless the government is anti-American. NT

Last edited Thu Feb 27, 2014, 09:46 PM - Edit history (1)

[malletgirl02]

13. Crimea

Since the Ukrainian government is already getting rid of Lenin statues in order to rid its self of its hated Soviet legacy I don't understand why the Ukraine just won't let Crimea go since as you said have only been part of the Ukraine since 1954 and is also part of the hated Soviet legacy.

[William769]

6. Russia's fall has been swift and permanent. nt

[Purveyor]

7. lol eom

[KoKo]

10. Bizarre...you state this with no backup for what you say!

[Benton D Struckcheon]

12. Oh please

The place has the GDP of New Jersey. If not for the oil and ng deposits, no one would care about them.

[FarCenter]

8. Transdneister, Ossetia, Abkhazia ...

You can add Crimea to the list.