This sentence shows the heart of the whole mess in Ukraine: An official told Russian TV they left because of the violence, and because their customers were mostly in Russia. Most of the industry in eastern Ukraine sold cheap but shoddy goods to Russia. It was the only place they could sell their output, because Europe would reject it in favor of better stuff. If Ukraine aligned itself with Europe, those factories would be SOL - and the money wasnt there to rebuild and re-tool them. Putin has used that problem to throw a wedge between Ukraine and the West - and maybe grab a little territory in the bargain. He really doesnt want another NATO ally on his doorstep. Unfortunately, it gives others in the region - Poland, Estonia, etc. - the major willies, and thats why theyre now beefing up their own defenses. Putin may have some short-term gain, but people are remembering the Russian saying: When you dine with the devil, bring a long fork. bbc/news/world-europe-28951437
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:33:23 +0000
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