Why is Crimea-liberating Russia making demands about Ukraine?

[cthulu2016]

How does this fit into the moronic pro-Russian narrative about how it was all only about Crimea?

Moscow's main demands in the negotiations -- that Ukraine should be made into a federation...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014767872

Why does Russia, which has already annexed Crimea, have demands about the form of what is left of Ukraine?

[rdharma]

1. You (intentionally?) missed the point of Lavrow's comments.

His three main points:

1. That Ukraine adopt a political system where all voices are heard.

2. Commit to not joining NATO.

3. Restore order and get control of the lawless RW fascist thugs who continue to rule the streets by violence.

What's your problem with that?

[cthulu2016]

5. And this is Russia's business to be brought about by military threat because?

[seveneyes]

2. Maybe so they don't have to do what we did in Bosnia

The bigoted violence in the streets of Ukraine are how bad things get started. It needs tamped down now.

[cthulu2016]

6. Funny how Ukraine isn't calling for this desperately needed assistance.

[rdharma]

7. Even though they've descended into chaos?

IMF vultures soon to have a feast.

[Progressive dog]

3. For now, Putin will settle for Ukraine having an independent

government, as long as it's obedient to Putin.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

4. Because Russia simply cannot help itself.

For centuries, Russia has sought to meddle in the affairs of the nation that it refers to as "Little Russia".

It's a pathos.

[jwirr]

8. I am not a pro-putin person but my guess is that they are being paranoid. Even the USSR was always

afraid that their border was being threatened. In this case when we all move to secure Ukraine they take it that we are going to set up house in that country. I do not think either the US or EU is interested in yet another war field but Russia does not see it that way.

I also think putin may be calming down since he is now talking about a diplomatic solution which means in essence a way out without losing face.

I will admit that I am not a military strategist but from watching the USSR throughout the Cold War this is how it appears to me.

[rdharma]

12. Are you still fighting the Cold War?

Blitzkrieg through the Fulda Gap?

You're right about one thing...... you're not a military strategist.

[jwirr]

16. Well gee thanks for your kind words. Did I fail to agree with your point or something. As to the

Cold War I just do not think countries change their spots all that much even when they change their governments. The very fact that they have "annexed" Crimea shows us they are still thinking of themselves as the aggressor. As to Fulda Gap? I guess you will have to tell me about that as I do not remember being worried about it in the first place.

[rdharma]

17. I mentioned the Fulda Gap because that was the big boogie man scenario of the last Cold War.......

And some here on DU are still quoting that scenario. Do a search and see who these "knowledgeable" folks are.

[rdharma]

9. There is one Ukrainian presidential candidate who is not an oligarch or nazi........

He's just a delusional nutjob........ Oleh Lyashko of the Radical Party of Oleh Lyashko.

Good luck with that!

[NuclearDem]

10. So that other parts of Ukraine can vote to join Russia, of course.

And then never get to vote on the issue again.

[cthulu2016]

11. The 40K massed troops are to show the folks what a handsome military they'll have when they join

[NuclearDem]

13. Quite the handsome military their men will be drafted into.

And then sent off to Chechnya to see what happens when you decide you want to leave.

[cthulu2016]

14. Oh, so it's a promise of more jobs too! Where do I sign?

[rdharma]

15. OMG! They're going to do a Blitzkrieg maneuver through the Fulda Gap at any minute!

[LittleBlue]

18. A federation really is best for a country as divided as Ukraine

with huge minority populations.

It would serve to much better protect the ethnic Russians.

In fact, I don't see Ukraine surviving without decentralizing their government more. Their current form of government will result either in a coup leading to a military dictatorship (like Egypt) or civil war (like Syria). Having such even divisions will be their undoing unless they change.

[snappyturtle]

19. Maybe Russia remembers history....like WWII.

I think Russia wants assurances that Ukraine remain a non-NATO buffer not unlike what we have: the oceans.

I think Russia would also want the radicals in the Ukraine not to spill over into Crimea.
Just sayin'.........

I saw a video on DU from VICE News that had an Ukrainian soldier vowing to get Crimea back. I have to wonder if any agreement will hold water since it concerns an illegal government who has ?? what for authority? But since the U.S. recognizes it, I suppose it's OK.

[reformist2]

20. Because they're the ones driving the car, that's why.