I have heard the word "separatist" used to describe (many or even the majority of) eastern Ukraine citizens and the citizens of Crimea. The "separatists" want to be part of Russia.
I am trying to understand why aren't these eastern separatist Ukrainians the equivalent to American and Texan revolutionaries. I cannot find enough on-the-ground information to make an informed guess on that question. While 30 years of existence for Ukraine is short, it is one generation.
No need to respond to this. I am only posting my curiosity about on-the-ground Ukraine.
The lack of information is a crucial question here. How many of them really do want to live in Russia? How many of them are saying what their Russian occupiers compel them to say? If there could be a fair and open referendum, then they might have reasonable grounds for claiming a right of separatist self-determination. But even then it would be unusual for Ukraine, uncoerced, to let them go. Residents of Eastern Oregon want to leave Oregon and join idaho. Oregon is not about to let them go.
Another thought-provoking post, Bill. Any comments on this Substack post by Michael Tracey? https://mtracey.substack.com/p/ukraine-is-trying-to-goad-the-us
I will be happy to answer you by email, Jake. I like to keep the comments here focused on the essays posted on this site.
Excellent post as usual.
I have heard the word "separatist" used to describe (many or even the majority of) eastern Ukraine citizens and the citizens of Crimea. The "separatists" want to be part of Russia.
I am trying to understand why aren't these eastern separatist Ukrainians the equivalent to American and Texan revolutionaries. I cannot find enough on-the-ground information to make an informed guess on that question. While 30 years of existence for Ukraine is short, it is one generation.
No need to respond to this. I am only posting my curiosity about on-the-ground Ukraine.
The lack of information is a crucial question here. How many of them really do want to live in Russia? How many of them are saying what their Russian occupiers compel them to say? If there could be a fair and open referendum, then they might have reasonable grounds for claiming a right of separatist self-determination. But even then it would be unusual for Ukraine, uncoerced, to let them go. Residents of Eastern Oregon want to leave Oregon and join idaho. Oregon is not about to let them go.