Crisis in Crimea: Tiger Eyes Report

A crisis has developed in the Crimean Peninsula and tensions are high between Russia and Ukraine. The crisis unfolded when in February after a Ukrainian revolution in which the former government of Ukraine was ousted from power, and a new government that was more “western” replaced it.
The radical change in governments occurred after weeks of armed violence had rocked the capital of Ukraine; Kiev. The new, more western government has not been recognized as a legitimate government. This is why the crisis that now is erupting in the Crimean Peninsula has occurred.

The Russia views the new government as “neo-fascist” and has condemned the government. Russian media has fueled the distrust that is happening in eastern Ukraine, which traditionally has closer ties with Russia. The Russian media is giving the message that the new government in Kiev is anti-Russian.
In the last days of February, unmarked soldiers seized many different government buildings inside the Crimean Peninsula area. These unmarked soldiers are believed to be Russian soldiers without badges, however it cannot be “proven”.

Soon after this, a military intervention by Russia seized control of Crimea.The response from the new Ukrainian government at this time has been somewhat sluggish and slow.

The government wants to find a peaceful solution before they resort to military action. However, it has called for the mobilization of Ukraine’s armed forces and reserves. Russia, however, has stated that its troops shall stay in Crimea till the situation has stabilized itself.
Many countries, such as the United States and her allies, along with the European Union, have condemned Russia for its actions. The countries have stated that Russia has violated international law and the sovereignty of Ukraine.However, Russia does not view the ruling party in Kiev to be a true government, and states that it is protecting its own interests.

On March 16, voters in Crimea voted overwhelmingly to join Russia. Some officials have said that the turn out was a record high and that some 95.5% of voters voted to join the Russian Federation (NBC). However, many opponents to the referendum have stated that they were boycotted from the vote. On March 17 the Crimean Parliament declared its independence from Ukraine and asked to join the Russian Federation.
Obama warned Putin of “additional costs” if Russia put a referendum to a vote in Crimea.

The Ukraine Parliament has stated that the referendum is unconstitutional and will not recognize Crimea joining the Russian Federation. The European Union and the U.S have stated that the vote is illegal and there will be repercussions for the Crimean ballot.