Control of Crimea

In the past week, the Crimea region has been the centre of concern in Europe- and perhaps the world- as tensions between ethnic Ukrainians and Russians within Ukraine have come to blows since the Ukrainian president, Viktor Yukanovych, fled following violent clashes in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. Crimea is now the focus as the region, which has an ethnic Russian majority, seems inclined to unite with Russia rather than remain part of a Ukraine which now has government with a pro-EU stance, and some argue is backed by Ukrainian nationalists.

Whilst the issue of who will form a legitimate, long-term government in Ukraine will hopefully resolve itself peacefully soon (elections are due in May), the most pressing debate concerns whether Crimea will remain with Ukraine or unite with Russia. Crimean politicians have declared a desire to unite with Russia, and intend to hold a referendum on the issue in a week's time. Despite being officially a part of Ukraine for approximately 60 years, and within Ukraine since it gained independence in the 1990s, Russia has maintained a naval base there since Ukraine's independence, and prior to independence Ukraine was part of the Russian-dominated Soviet Union. While Crimean politicians, and many Crimean citizens, have demonstrated in favour of unification with Russia and asked for Russian support; the new provisional government in Ukraine, and ethnic Ukrainians and other minorities in Crimea, have criticised the moves as dangerous and illegal.

Having never been to Ukraine, and having a limited understanding of the issues debated, my opinion may be of little value. However, from what I understand, I find myself surprisingly disagreeing with the stance of the governments of Britain, the US and elsewhere in the Western world; and supporting those campaigning for independence. I don't necessarily think that Crimea should be independent, but I think that if enough people desire independence, then they should have the opportunity to decide. Moreover, as the Crimean politicians were elected by Crimean citizens, and that they are considering a democratic referendum- if they reach the ultimate conclusion that they want to join Russia instead of Ukraine, then they should be able to pursue that course, provided it has the agreement of the Russian government as well. Having said this, I am also mindful of concerns with the minorities in the region, such as ethnic Ukrainians and Tatars, who are wary of integration with Russia, but I tend to take the view that, in a democracy, the views of the majority should trump those of a minority- though not that minorities should be allowed to be punished or discriminated against as a consequence. I disagree with any aggression on the part of Russian forces, and the thuggery reported of pro-Russians towards pro-Ukrainians, but on the overriding principle of Crimea deciding what fate is best for the majority of its citizens, I think the best stance to take is to respect what the majority there want.

Rushing through a referendum in less than a fortnight is not ideal but, in the current situation, a referendum with a result that is respected, is in my opinion surely the lesser evil of opposing what are essentially democratic processes.