Aggressive behaviour by Russia continues. For weeks now, troops have been massed to Ukraine’s eastern border. Destabilisation-operations by Russia in Eastern Ukraine keep unfolding. By propaganda, a supporting image is being created about possible «referendums» to join Russia in other parts of Ukraine, in addition to Crimea.
Massing of Russian troops behind Ukraine’s Eastern border is confirmed by Ukraine and NATO alike. Why would the Kremlin need to do that, with no plans to attack? As evidenced by arrest of heads of Ukrainian bases in Crimea, as well of Russian military surveillance on Ukrainian territory outside of Crimea, the freshest data is being collected for a possible attack.
While following the news, one must – among other things – maintain a critical attitude towards the massiveness of pro-Russian demonstrations in East-Ukrainian cities. Considering, for instance, that Donetsk has about a million inhabitants, a half of whom profess to be Russians, a meeting with a couple of thousand participants would clearly not be a trustworthy indicator that the locals are waiting for «deliverance» by troops of Putin. Even so, this is the backdrop currently being created by the Kremlin’s propaganda. Also, while assessing demonstrations like that, we must remember what we know about numerous «tourists» sent to such locations from Russia, to stir and to provoke. Should the free world’s media cover the demonstrations in East-Ukraine without pointing to proportions thereof, and to purposeful destabilisation-operations by Russia, the Kremlin would have scored another victory – in propaganda war, at least.
It is vital for international observers to arrive in East-Ukraine, and fast – in order to let us have adequate information on the situation, among other things, carrying weight for politicians and media of the free world.
Creating a stereotype of East-Ukraine as pro-Russian is yet another typical example of the black-and-white world view to be shunned at these critical times. Use of the Russian language is just one of the measurements of identity of population. Let us note that by no methodologically correct social study has confirmed that the majority of people in East-Ukraine would want to join Russia. On the contrary!
Thorough coverage is also needed when it comes to Russia’s behaviour in the occupied and annexed Crimea, especially when it comes to treatment of the indigenous Crimean Tatars. Reports of Tatars being harassed and persecuted, and the most telling example of their leader being obstructed from returning to his homeland, are more than worrisome. How obvious the danger that, «under cover of major events», a genocide will be committed.