"Let them secede" European style?

[hedgehog]

The Russians are determined to keep their bases in the Crimea. As near as I can figure out, most of the people living in the Crimea are Russian. I don't know if that means a 55/45 split or more like 95/5.

The votes from the Crimea have made it very difficult for Ukraine to form a stable government. Again, it seems that most of the people in the Crimea want to stay close to Moscow.

I don't know the history - I think the current borders of Ukraine are based on a Soviet decision at least as much as any historical factor. The borders in that region have been very fluid for 1000 years.

So - here's my question: Would Ukraine be better off ceding the Crimea to Russia? It would make it easier for the rest of Ukraine to turn to the West.

Please excuse my ignorance on all this - I'm hoping for some info.