U.S. should let Ukraine take care of its own fight

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday began the process of annexing Crimea despite U.S. sanctions. In a referendum, Crimean voters backed joining Russia.

Self-determination of a people isn’t done in an election under a hostile occupying force. This was no more legitimate than if Germany had invaded Poland and staged a “referendum” to join Germany.

Jeff Beard

Would it be better for a potentially seceding region to be under the thumb of a government that wants to keep it in place? It seems that’s also not the best scenario for expressing a desire for self-determination.

But Crimea is a special case in that it is basically a part of modern Russia. The region was clipped off and added to neighboring Ukraine not long ago.

It has remained largely Russian in spirit, with sentiments running toward reunification with Russia. What is happening today is a piece of the long process of working out the breakup of the Soviet Union. It’s not exactly World War II.

Jonathan P. Allen

The sanctions make no difference. Russia was never going to concede Crimea; it needs the port. Everyone knows this, so now it’s all about posturing and saving face.

This is a war-weary country, and I think everyone knows we’re not going to start a war with Russia over this.

Thomas Carper

Isn’t it clear by now that Putin does not care about what anyone else thinks? He’s poking and prodding at the world waiting for someone to make a move like an Old West gunfighter trying to provoke a fight for an excuse to shoot first.

Face the facts: Sanctions clearly are not going to do anything. Everyone knows how to deal with a bully. The question is, when and who will throw the first punch.

Andrew Smith

President Obama has completely neutered the United States. Few people take our threats seriously, and the doubts are justified.

Dennis Sullivan

What do people want the U.S. to do? Run into Crimea and start another war? It would be like Iraq, except with the potential for nuclear warfare. More and tougher sanctions, and Russia will crumble.

Harry Boughner We asked what our followers thought of President Obama imposing sanctions against seven Russian officials in response to the Ukraine crisis. It is important even if ineffective in the short term. Moral solidarity belongs on the table and protects us, too.

@SchoonerRhodes Obama’s sanction therapy is like trying to stone somebody to death with popcorn.

@RawalWahlah Apparently, 90% of the residents of Crimea want to be aligned with Russia. It’s their right, and those token sanctions are useless.

@IcloudLinus Obama is doing what a president should be doing: Trying to keep us out of another war.

@DennlolDENNIS Sanctions will not do anything because Russia is not scared of this. They will make things worse.

@marksmile100 Have sanctions ever worked? Iran, Cuba, North Korea? This is just another slap on the wrist.

@JeffPouland I wish someone other than the U.S. would police the world.

@757hank