Maurice, what is your thinking on the Crimean election and annexation? At the time, it didn't seem to be unreasonable or even particularly unlawful. Wasn't Crimea an independent republic even though it was geographically sort of part of Ukraine. Since then, I've read recent polls that indicate Crimeans themselves are near 90% in approving the rejoining with Russia. That should count for something.
But I'd like to know what you think. Also, what is your thinking on Ukraine? Is Putin actually trying to annex the whole of Ukraine? If so, would it be by military seizure or by swaying popular vote?
I keep reading that Putin is intent on re-creating the old Soviet block, but I haven't googled any evidence to support this. I've heard people say Putin has 'invaded' other countries that were in the block, Georgia, for ex., but I can't find any written evidence for this either.
Also, Ukraine looks to me like a badly governed country with a weak economy. If so, this would spawn an organic rebel movement, not needing Putin's assistance. Why is the blame put on Russia? What does Europe gain by supporting Ukraine, a poorly governed country that offers little in the way of trade?
I was surprised, too, by Trump's Ukraine statements yesterday.
I've read that some of the powers that be are alarmed because Putin is aligned with Iran. But the US, France, and I think Germany were the main forces behind lifting the Iranian sanctions and allowing Iran to pursue nuclear power generation. All of them also encourage the resumption of trade and investment in Iran. So what causes the mistrust of Putin's alliances with Iran?
Investors aren't so wary. The largest fund, the Russia Fund, has run up dramatically. |
