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Today's pre-ordained "referendum" in Crimea is potentially Russian mini-czar Vladimir Putin's first bite out of Ukraine, which he sees as within the Russian "sphere of influence," if not an actual part of Russia itself.
Dangerous days are ahead as the West decides how to deal with what has become a rogue state in Europe, and as Putin calculates the cost/benefits of his aggressive, expansionist policies.
UPDATE: The Japan Times reports:
The Ukrainian and Russian Defence ministries have agreed on a truce in Crimea until March 21, Ukraine’s acting defence minister said Sunday.
“An agreement has been reached with (Russia’s) Black Sea Fleet and the Russian Defence Ministry on a truce in Crimea until March 21,” Ihor Tenyukh told journalists on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting. “No measures will be taken against our military facilities in Crimea during that time. Our military sites are therefore proceeding with a replenishment of reserves.”UPDATE II: No surprise - exit polls showing big vote in favor of re-joining Russia. Also - Stalin voted back into power with 99.9%. Putin sure knows how to
(cartoon: Tom Toles via gocomics.com)
