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A review by johanlund
Frontline Ukraine: Crisis in the Borderlands by Richard Sakwa
2.0
Disclaimer: I think Putin and Lavrov and more in the ruling class of Russia are some evil bastards. I base this on the bombing of Aleppo and Groznyj and also on the fact that they completely have destroyed the possibility of a democratic opposition in Russia. Check why Kasparov didn't finally run for President - it is the perfect example how they operate.
The book is interesting in that it recalls in great detail what actually happened. It also has some sympathies for the Russian speaking of the East of Ukraine, and tries to convince the (Western) reader the frustations the people of Donbas were feeling about the Majdan movement.
It is also interesting to see how much power the Americans seem to have had "undercover", for example in the augeration of Jatsenjuk prime minister (he was basically the "Americans candidate").
I was in Spain when the Crimean conflict and later Donbas problems started. In my apartment I had RT on on television. I find it strange that the author barely mentions this and other Russian "news" channels. It was almost evident from watching RT that the Russians were planning something. Later defectors from the channel said that all news about Ukraine HAD to be negative towards the Majdan movements. Lots of rumours about atrocities against Russian speaking people in Crimea etc (these accusations were lately shown to be completely false).
A Putin that literaly drewles in Sevastopol after the fake Referendum (83% turnout where 96,77% voted yes to Russia, a ridicoulus high number). All the time while Lavrov and Putin proclaiming Ukrainian "fascists" over and over again.
Those are my memories.
The author's conclusions are really strange in my view. The fault seems to be in large extent the EU. Which I can somehow buy, I am sure that their view of Ukraine was too simplistic and incompetent. But all the talk that you have to understand Putins behaviour etc etc. Russia feels cornerned by Nato, sure. But all those lies about atrocities towards the Russian people - they were there to prepare for an invasion.
I am completely sure that if it HADN'T been for the sanctions, then Putin would have put much real force behind the Donbas rebellion. It was evident when Ukrainian government was about to win the war, then the Russians put some real force in (this happened 14th of August 2014).
Sanctions are a good thing towards Russia. If Trump turns out to bomb civilians in a city like Aleppo or Groznyj (he might very well do that) we shall sanction him and America too.
The book is interesting in that it recalls in great detail what actually happened. It also has some sympathies for the Russian speaking of the East of Ukraine, and tries to convince the (Western) reader the frustations the people of Donbas were feeling about the Majdan movement.
It is also interesting to see how much power the Americans seem to have had "undercover", for example in the augeration of Jatsenjuk prime minister (he was basically the "Americans candidate").
I was in Spain when the Crimean conflict and later Donbas problems started. In my apartment I had RT on on television. I find it strange that the author barely mentions this and other Russian "news" channels. It was almost evident from watching RT that the Russians were planning something. Later defectors from the channel said that all news about Ukraine HAD to be negative towards the Majdan movements. Lots of rumours about atrocities against Russian speaking people in Crimea etc (these accusations were lately shown to be completely false).
A Putin that literaly drewles in Sevastopol after the fake Referendum (83% turnout where 96,77% voted yes to Russia, a ridicoulus high number). All the time while Lavrov and Putin proclaiming Ukrainian "fascists" over and over again.
Those are my memories.
The author's conclusions are really strange in my view. The fault seems to be in large extent the EU. Which I can somehow buy, I am sure that their view of Ukraine was too simplistic and incompetent. But all the talk that you have to understand Putins behaviour etc etc. Russia feels cornerned by Nato, sure. But all those lies about atrocities towards the Russian people - they were there to prepare for an invasion.
I am completely sure that if it HADN'T been for the sanctions, then Putin would have put much real force behind the Donbas rebellion. It was evident when Ukrainian government was about to win the war, then the Russians put some real force in (this happened 14th of August 2014).
Sanctions are a good thing towards Russia. If Trump turns out to bomb civilians in a city like Aleppo or Groznyj (he might very well do that) we shall sanction him and America too.