Russian PM questions legitimacy of new Ukrainian authorities

[dipsydoodle]

Source: CTV News / Associated Press

MOSCOW -- Russia questioned the legitimacy of the new Ukrainian authorities on Monday, with its prime minister saying it sees the turmoil in Ukraine as a threat to both Russian citizens and Russian interests in Ukraine.

The statement by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was the strongest criticism yet from Russia, which had backed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled the capital of Kyiv after striking a deal with the opposition. The Ukrainian parliament on Saturday quickly ousted him and set new elections for May, and its new speaker has been named Ukraine's caretaker president.

Russian news agencies quoted Medvedev as saying the new authorities in Ukraine have come to power as a result of "armed mutiny." He lashed out at what he called the EU's recognition of the new authorities as an "aberration of consciousness."

He said Russia would be ready to resume relations with Ukraine once it sees a "normal, modern government based on laws and constitution of Ukraine."






Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/russian-pm-questions-legitimacy-of-new-ukrainian-authorities-1.1700919

[DetlefK]

1. Russia is itching for an excuse to annex eastern Ukraine, like they did with eastern White Russia.

I've heard there is a famous proverb in political courses at russian universities: "Without Ukraine, Russia is a country. With Ukraine, Russia is an empire."

[dipsydoodle]

2. The current situation in Ukraine is not in accord with their own constitution.

Others will doubtless need to establish that whovever funds are lent /supplied to are legitimently able to receive them on behalf of Ukraine.

Meanwhile while that doubt exists Russia will not provide the balance of the $15 billion promised - only $3 billion paid to date.

Russia doesn't need to an excuse to annex eastern Ukraine - turning the gas taps off would be sufficient although there is no sign they intend to do so.

[geek tragedy]

3. to those who criticize Obama for every milquetoast comment made about Venezuela and

other countries, this is what interference with and threats to a sovereign nation look like

[stuffmatters]

4. Russia "won" the Olympics but "lost" the Ukraine.

The eyes of the world were on Putin. playing benevolent host and the world media was focused for two weeks on that area of the globe. ...brilliant timing & strategy.

[freshwest]

5. Seems hopeful at the link. If the released woman becomes president, Putin can make a deal.

It must be very hard on both ethnic Russians and Ukrainians right now. If the Russians were all in the eastern and southern areas, they could just secede and the fighting would be over.

But it's more likely that they are all over the country, and that there are ethnic Ukrainians in the eastern and south regions as well.

This reminds me of the Kosovo Serbia etc conflict where there was ethnic cleansing going on to establish territory.

Some women in the area said that if they wanted to divide the nation into two pieces, why not jusr go and swap houses and quit the killing?

Of course, no one listened.

[frwrfpos]

6. DU rec