Russian TV today wavering without clear instructions from above. They report the results of the referendum, they make sure to emphasize that this does NOT mean these regions have seceded from Ukraine, but just that they want to send a clear signal to Kyiv. The choice is between federalization of Ukraine or of the joining together of these two regions (and maybe others?) in a second Ukraine. No mention of joining Russia. Important detail: they also show a crying babushka, whose new house had been bombed, lamenting: Why? This is not 41. We are NOT the other (Мы свои) We are one nation. We are also Ukrainians. What is it you want? Very touching moment indeed and undoubtedly carefully selected by the spin doctors. Of course if Putin speaks out today or tomorrow one way of another, the news will adjust accordingly. But today was a bit of a de-escalation in reporting.
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 16:57:06 +0000