A Grateful Nation Cheers President Putin's Triumph (Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russia)
"Such determination, capacity to act without hesitation, and
self-confidence in our abilities, made an enormous impression on the world.
Edward Snowden, protecting Syria, its position on Iran - these were strong
steps. But Crimea is in another class altogether. Putin rebuffed American
politicians who thought Russia's opinion could be ignored. ... Russians are
proud of their president. Western dissidents admire him on social media. Almost
everyone who opposes American dictates supports Putin - which is a great
achievement. ... Crimea is now ours!"
President Vladimir Putin sings the Russian national anthem on Red Square, after signing a treaty on Russian annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, Mar. 18.
The
current generation of Russians never expected to see such a day - a day of Russian reunification with Crimea,
a day of genuine triumph for Russia, and a day of personal triumph for Russia's
President Putin.
Gathered
in St. Georges Hall, the president received a standing ovation when he
announced Russia's decision. A majority of Russian homes were also jubilant. Few
Russians wouldn't have felt enormous elation when right in front of their eyes,
the map of Europe was changed.
And
how could one not be elated? Crimea had returned home after 60 years (or 23,
depending on how you count them) under someone else's authority, which had resulted
in the violent policy of Ukrainization - even during
Soviet times, and much more so in the post-Soviet era. The result of the
referendum was so convincing that even anti-Russian Western newspapers like The Guardian didn't question its
authenticity, which was demonstrated once again by the subsequent spontaneous
celebration in Crimea.
Furthermore,
ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars also voted for reunification. After all,
Ukrainians in Crimea, as in the new Russia, are Russian speaking, and find it easier
to be under Russian authority than under the rule of Galicia
[a derisive term referring to the new Ukrainian government]. Crimean Tatars realized
the impossibility of going against all of their neighbors - and Russia has
offered them a package of concessions and privileges that they had never
dreamed of before.
Just
as pleasing was the speed of the Kremlin's decision making. Many experts in
Russia and abroad thought that Putin would put on the brakes, sit on the fence,
postpone a decision, as suggested by presidential advisors in February. Even those
who had confidence in Russia's determination never imagined such speed: on
Sunday the referendum, and on Tuesday the signing of the treaty. A great
Russian writer - a Ukrainian - once said that there is no such thing as a
Russian who doesn't love to travel fast. Of course, his books weren't even
included in Ukraine's school curriculum, because he wrote in Russian … [The writer is Nikolai Gogol, and the quote is from his book, Dead Souls].
Such
determination, capacity to act without hesitation, and self-confidence in our
abilities, made an enormous impression on the world. Edward Snowden, protecting
Syria, its position on Iran - these were strong steps. But Crimea is in another
class altogether. Putin rebuffed American politicians who thought Russia's
opinion could be ignored.
There
is already a Jewish anecdote: President Putin meets Israeli President Shimon
Peres.
Peres: "Vladimir,
are you sure you don't have Jewish roots?"
Putin: "Why do
you think so, Shimon?"
Peres: "Because even
a Jew couldn't get the Americans to pay $5 billion for Russia to annex Crimea.
It's brilliant!"
[Editor's
Note: Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland,
who was caught on tape apparently plotting to topple the Ukrainian government
of Viktor Yanukovych with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine
Geoffrey Pyatt, stated
publicly in January that the United States had spent $5 billion to 'promote
civil society and a good form of government."]
In
his remarkable speech, Putin recalled how many times in recent years the United
States and its allies had violated international law. "Well it's good that
they at least recalled that there is international law. Thank you very much.
Better late than never," he joked. These words of the Russian president
were noted by many in the West - those who in the first place, demanded the independence
of Kosovo and the violation of Syrian sovereignty.
Putin
recognized China's support and the understanding of India, identifying a
potential "eastern vector" for developing Russia and its economy. If
Europeans can't see things independently and again bend under American dictates,
their economy will be the first to suffer.
Putin's
speech was peaceful. Russia doesn't seek conflict; she respects the sovereignty
of Ukraine; and is ready to be friends with the Americans and Europeans. However,
they have to respect Russia's vital interests. Russia is not going to annex
other regions of Ukraine. Crimea is a special case. At the same time, though, Putin
called the Kiev regime illegitimate. According to Western observers, he did not
exclude Russian help in establishing a legal regime in Ukraine - a regime that would
ensure full rights for Russian speaking Ukrainians, federalization, and perhaps
- joining the Customs
Union.
Russians
are proud of their president. Western dissidents admire him on social media.
Almost everyone who opposes American dictates supports Putin - which is a great
achievement. And here history gets closure twice. Khrushchev gave Crimea away;
Putin took it back. Khrushchev lost the support of the Western anti-imperialist
opposition; Putin brought back millions of supporters from abroad.
DETAILS
Crimea
is now ours!
On
Tuesday, March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin and representatives of the Crimean
peninsula and Sevastopol signed an annexation agreement. The document envisages
the formation of new entities to be part of the Russian Federation …
BROADCAST
In
Red Square, people chanted "We are together!"
On
the evening of March 18, Red Square looked like a giant flowerbed, densely
decorated with colorful flags, among which that of the Russian state fluttered.
Over an unprecedented assemblage of cheerful people, songs about Sevastopol and
Crimea blared from amplifiers. The entire square seemed as tightly packed as
could be, but people kept coming and coming.
