-
There is generational antipathy/hatred of Russia due to the famine of the 1930s, even amongst those who speak Russian. Putin is seen as just another Russian trying to eradicate Ukrainian culture and steal their resources, a successor to Stalin et al. Historical ties with Russia may exist, but the majority of Ukrainians do not want to be Russian
This is true. I said that I don't know how open or rigged the referendums are, but two points:
- people's views change with circumstances. Eg Northern Ireland, with the relative success of the Irish economy and brexit support for reunification had increased amongst parts of the population that were traditionally unionist. Given that Ukraine is fucked, was extremely corrupt before the war, and Russia will be throwing a lot of money into rebuilding these areas, I can believe views might change. Also a bit of ethnic cleansing might play a part.
- it is expensive and pretty thankless to occupy a population that doesn't want it. Russia hasn't got a massive army and has learned enough lessons from the past not to think it's in its interest to try to subdue a hostile population.
By all means set out reasons why you believe the referendums are not open.
- people's views change with circumstances. Eg Northern Ireland, with the relative success of the Irish economy and brexit support for reunification had increased amongst parts of the population that were traditionally unionist. Given that Ukraine is fucked, was extremely corrupt before the war, and Russia will be throwing a lot of money into rebuilding these areas, I can believe views might change. Also a bit of ethnic cleansing might play a part.
frank9755-
By all means set out reasons why you believe the referendums are not open.
Cascades of video evidence (doorbell cams, CCTV) of ‘election officials’ dragging residents out of their flats to ‘vote’, accompanied by masked, armed russian goons.
Ukrainian relatives and colleagues with direct accounts of family/friends being told in no uncertain terms that they’d have citizenship revoked and worse, if they don’t vote ‘in your best interests’.
That’s just the tip.
Spoiler alert: I’m Ukrainian.
ectoplasmosis
How far back does your understanding of the history of Ukraine go? There is generational antipathy/hatred of Russia due to the famine of the 1930s, even amongst those who speak Russian. Putin is seen as just another Russian trying to eradicate Ukrainian culture and steal their resources, a successor to Stalin et al. Historical ties with Russia may exist, but the majority of Ukrainians do not want to be Russian.
No-one with any critical thinking capabilities seriously believes those 'referendums' are anything other than Russian propaganda.