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November 2013 was the start of turbulence in Ukraine and the subsequent months consisted of riots, protests and civil revolt. Citizens were injured and killed; government buildings and offices were occupied, arrests were made and finally the president was ousted. Yet the anxiety and fear of the citizens is palpable and the pandemonium of the country is distinct. Russian troops seizing the Crimean peninsula was controversial and raised eyebrows of the entire world. Thirty thousand soldiers standing guard in Crimea ready to wage war against the Ukrainian soldiers makes it restless. People in Crimea electing to be a part of Russia rather than Ukraine causes further more challenges.

Crimea though a part of Ukraine since 1954 has always had closer ties with Russia and Soviet Union since the 18th century. Though most members of the Tatar minority are against the Soviet merge and boycotted the vote other citizens of Crimea are welcoming the Russian government. With Russia helping Crimea to join the federation by encouraging the acceptance of Russian Ruble and moving the clocks to Moscow time is creating rifts. Crimea being rich in natural

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resources like oil and gas and minerals makes it an alternative for dwindling Siberian reserves. The 46 million people in Ukraine are divided and its the same with the political parties yet they agree on one thing maintaining peace. Though receiving aid from the European Union and America the circumstances arent manageable.

The prime minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk advocates for a peaceful solution but all negotiations have been rejected. Russia refuses to acknowledge the current president Oleksandr Turchynov and is unwilling to negotiate with the Ukrainian government. A diplomatic solution is still being pursued and the negotiations are being led by Angela Merkel (Chancellor of Germany). Germany has the largest investments in Russia and it is a major trade partner. The close ties with Russia make Germany a suitable negotiator. Angela Merkel and Vladmir Putin also share history as both spent their early lives in East Germany before the Unification of Germany. The European Union and America have threatened Russia with trade and travel

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sanctions but Russia is prepared. The biggest threat for Russia is Ukraine becoming a new member of NATO.

With Crimea overwhelmingly supporting to join Russia and even though the West rejects the vote the concern that other eastern Ukraine provinces doing the same is overwhelming. Protesters have occupied administrative buildings in several eastern cities and hoisted Russian flags. The Pro-Russian supporters have clashed with Kiev government. The angst of Ukraines eastern provinces holding their own independence votes is a concerning.

February 23, 2014 February 24, 2013

Oleksandr Turchynov becomes President. Arrest warrant issued against Yanukovych.

acting Viktor

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February 28, 2014 March 1, 2014 March 16, 2014 March 18, 2014 Two Crimea Airports are invaded. Vladmir Putin gains approval from Russian government to invade Ukraine. 96 percent of Crimea votes to quit Ukraine and join Russia Vladmir Putin and Crimean leaders Signs treaty to Annex Crimea.