| ABC News | - |
Dueling
protests were held in Moscow today, in favor of and against Russia's
intervention in Ukraine and its potential annexation of Crimea.
Dueling Protests Held in Moscow Ahead of Crimea Referendum
Dueling protests were held in Moscow today, in favor of and against
Russia’s intervention in Ukraine and its potential annexation of Crimea.
The rallies came a day before Crimea is to hold a referendum on independence from Ukraine and amid reports of Russia escalating its military presence in the neighboring country.
At the pro-intervention rally near Red Square, many of the 15,000 reported participants marched in columns wearing red uniforms.
At the larger anti-war rally, tens of thousands marched carrying Russian
and Ukrainian flags. They chanted “Crimea no!” and slogans against
Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I am afraid that this will cause world war and that’s why I am here,”
Yelena Sviridova, another protester, said. “I am afraid we will not stop
him [Putin]. We are here but he doesn’t listen to us.”
On Saturday Russia vetoed a US-led resolution at the United Nations
Security Council that would have declared the referendum illegal. The
United States and Europe have warned of sanctions if the vote goes ahead
and Russia does not back down.
After reports that two pro-Russia protesters were killed in eastern
Ukraine on Friday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that it
had received “many” requests for help from citizens in Ukraine and that
“these applications will be considered.”
Together with another statement on Friday regarding another two deaths a
day earlier - in which Russia said it “reserves the right” to protect
its countrymen in Ukraine because the Kiev government is unable to do so
- Russia appears to be preparing a justification for military incursion
into Ukraine if that's what it decides to do. That justification
appears to be one on humanitarian grounds in response to cries for help
from across the border.
Outside of the two rallies in Moscow, most people who spoke to ABC News
expressed support for Crimea’s referendum on independence and the
possibility of the region joining Russia.
“I think that the referendum is legal and people will decide what should be done,” a young man named Alexey said.
He rejected threats of sanctions, saying he did not think they would be very effective.
“I do not think that there will be isolation. The world is very connected nowadays,” he said.
The United States and the European Union have accused Russia of taking
control of the peninsula with its own troops and auxiliary pro-Russian
forces. Thousands of troops have flooded the region, taking over
military bases (while surrounding others), the airports and other
strategic locations. Though they wear no insignia, it is evident that
they are Russian.
Russia has also sent thousands more troops to its border with Ukraine and launched military drills.
There are also what appear to be freelance protesters from Russia –
including some who have been described as intimidating thugs – who have
swarmed into Crimea and Eastern Ukraine to protest loudly in favor of
joining Russia and to menace those who oppose.
Russia also has launched a massive propaganda campaign. Russian media,
controlled by the Kremlin, has flooded the airwaves with misleading
reports of “fascists” taking over Ukraine and threats to ethnic
Russians. Billboards erected ahead of the referendum offer the choice
between Russia’s flag and a Nazi flag.
The region is of strategic importance as the home of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Most of the population is ethnic Russian.
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