[Diode]

http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...rd-martial-law

Originally Posted by some farker

The Ukrainian people wanted closer ties to the West and the European Union. Yanukovich wants closer ties to Russia and, especially, Putin. Russia (Putin) owns the gas and oil pipelines running through the Ukraine. He does not want to lose control. The Ukraine was always the breadbasket of the USSR. Putin definitely wants to keep control of as much of that as possible.

Yanukovich and Putin may be in the wrong and they may have misread the will of the Ukrainian people. But they also have means, motive, and opportunity. Means? The entire Russian military at Putin's disposal. Motive? see breadbasket, oil, and gas above. Opportunity? "We must stop the rebellion for the good of law and order in the Ukraine."

Yanukovich and Putin may be wrong but in this case, I think "Might Makes Right." Just like when Stalin went through the Ukraine.

And the clincher? Do you see anybody, anywhere, in the West who will get involved rather than sending a strongly worded letter?

Good summary for those just joining the fray.