12-05-2014, 03:59 AM
I suspect that by the end of next year, the Donbas region, Odessa (as well as nearby and ostensibly Moldovan Transnistria), and the various Russian-speaking territories that connect these places along Ukraine's south, will all be annexed by Russsia. Like any substantial international event, this will not be an unalloyed good, but I do never-the-less find myself strongly sympathizing with those who wish to get out from under the thumb of that ludicrous regime which "my" government installed in Kiev. That regime will presumably continue to lord over what is presently regarded as the approximately northwestern half of Ukraine (which will eventually be admitted to the EU). I like to think people have enough sense not to admit it to NATO as well, but they will probably do so. Personally, I don't think NATO should have been extended to any former constituent entity of the USSR, or even any nation bordering the ex-USSR (other than perhaps Poland).