Blog #6 Trade Deal Signed as Russia Moves In

Summary

This week Ukraine signed the trade pact with the European union. This is the same deal that denial last November caused the out cry and protest that lead to riots in February and the current stand off between Ukraine and Russia. Also this week Russian lawmaker finalized the annexation of the Crimea region and its accession to Russia. This trade deal was to symbolize closer ties with Europe, by signing it the prime minster of Ukraine is signaling solidarity with Europe and the west. This is the biggest is crisis in Eastern western relations since the Cold War. The US has slapped sanctions on Russian officials. Though they have just been put into effect the sections have already started effect the Russian Market, from paying more to barrow money, to oil and gas reserves. With the West backing Ukraine and Russia pushing forward and ignoring international law a peaceful resolution seems further and further away.

Analysis

The trade deal is signed. This should end all the Ukraine and Russia conflict right? No. Though the trade deal was the cause of uprisings and protests, it is no longer the “real” problem. The disagreement of the trade deal uncovered the differences of opinion in the direction in which Ukraine citizens want to go in Ukraine’s future. Some want closer ties to Europe i.e. the trade deal, while others want closer ties with Russia. The Crimea region has a dense population of Russia supports and wants to return to Russia. Crimea is calling itself an independent state, but is only recognized by Russia, but not Ukraine or any other country. The closest comparison is American Revolutionary War. In a sense Crimea is the same place America was a few hundred years ago. We are Crimea and Crimea is us, to a certain extent. If history repeats itself, a possibly revolutionary war is mounting.   

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/21/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html?hpt=hp_t2