How does the Ukraine situation affect me?

tconews | March 5, 2014 | 

At times it’s really hard to keep up with the latest news and happening around the world. And for those who identify with me – we need to start paying attention to what is happening in Eastern Europe. Maybe you’ve been embarrassed to ask what’s going on (or where the Ukraine is even located). If so, here are a few simple answers to a few complicated questions

Where is Ukraine?

Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, just north of the Black Sea. It shares a border with Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova—but its largest border, to the east, is shared with Russia. Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe, with a land area that is slightly smaller than all the South Indian states of India are put together.

So, why do I keep hearing about a place called Crimea?

There is a part of Ukraine called the Crimean Peninsula. Look at the map above—the Crimean Peninsula is the piece of land jutting into the Black Sea from the south of Ukraine. Crimea is an autonomous region of Ukraine, which means that it is mostly self-governed. (Think about Puerto Rico. Technically it is a part of the U.S., but it is autonomous.)  More than 50 percent of people in Crimea are ethnically Russian, and many people who live in Crimea are actually Russian citizens or dual-passport holders. After the Soviet Union fell in 1989, Crimean citizens voted to join as a part of Ukraine in 1992.

What is happening there that has everyone so upset?

Over the last year, a lot has happened in the Ukraine, and here’s a quick snapshot: throughout 2013, citizens in Ukraine have been having a very heated public debate on the future of the country. Early in the year, Ukraine attempted to solidify a deal to become a larger part of the European Union (an alliance of countries in Europe that use the same currency, and have free trade agreements and lighter travel restrictions between nations). But Russia threatened to impose financial penalties on Ukraine if it moved forward with the E.U. agreement. At that point, Ukraine’s parliament postponed making any further attempt to make a deal with the E.U.

Protests started as early as November 2013 against the decision to align with Russia. Some protestors cried “Ukraine is Europe!” and in December 2013, a crowd of protestors toppled a statue of Lenin, a symbolic gesture that showed their hatred of all former relics of the Soviet Union. In February, the protests grew more violent, and 98 people were killed when police fired on protestors. Soon after, Ukraine’s President Yanukovych, fled by night to Russia.

This heightened the tension in Crimea—the acting Prime Minister of Crimea asked Russia for help. Then something really strange happened. Russia said that there were armed gunman who invaded Crimea from Ukraine and tried to take over a government building. Even though no one on the ground could verify that this had actually taken place, Russia used it as a reason to move in, to support their Crimean neighbors.

Today (March 5), Russia has more than 6,000 ground forces in Crimea. Ukraine sees this as a declaration of war. So far, there have been no bullets fired between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

What do leaders in India think about this situation?

India has so far maintained a stoic response to the situation in Ukraine much like it did during Russia’s invasion of Georgia in 2008. That silence helped Russia more than the Western front. But that stand off is nothing compared to the current crisis in Crimea. And if America continues to tighten its screws against Russia, India will eventually have to take a clear stand.

Looking at history, Russia supported India in the most depleted of times. For example, when India did the Pokran Nuclear tests in 1998. Also, India wouldn’t have won the 1971 war against Pakistan if not for active support by Russia. Therefore, if the crisis continues to deepen in the coming days, India will in all probability show its allegiance to Russia.

How will crisis affect us Indians?

India will best hope that the current crisis in Ukraine subsides as soon as possible. If the situation drags on, this affair will only worsen. International Oil and Gas prices are bound to go up. The rupee will take a further beating. Also, there are other business and economic factors that will be affected including the FDI inflow into India.

What do we do now?

• Pray that wisdom would prevail and that the leaders of Russia and America would come to a consensus over this crisis.
• Pray that no lives are lost and war like situation would subside.
• Pray for peace in the region of Crimea.