Why are the left and right united in their hatred of Russia? Why is Putin treated as though he were the new Stalin or Hitler? What’s the real issue in the Crimea? These questions, and others, are discussed in an interview I’ve given to the National Catholic Register:
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/the-issue-of-ukraine-and-crimea-is-complex/
Dear Joseph,
Although, as you say, the Crimea’s majority population is Russian, I think annexing the penninsula is against Russia’s longterm interests. The indigenous population is composed of Crimean Tatars, who are militantly Pro-Ukraine and Anti-Russia. The reason for this can be traced back to Joseph Stalin’s decision to deport Crimea’s Tatars to Soviet Central Asia. Their houses and property were given to ethnic Russians. Since returning, the Tatars have been an underclass in their own homeland and are deeply unhappy about it. If Crimea becomes Russian, Putin is going to have another Jihad on his hands.
Also , there is considerable evidence of persecution, harassment, and frivolous prosecution of Crimea’s Byzantine Catholics since Russia invaded. If you desire more information, then I recommend contacting Fr. Christopher Zugger.
In Christ,
Brendan