11 Myths Putin Is Spreading About The Crisis In Ukraine
11 Myths Putin Is Spreading About The Crisis In Ukraine
Last week Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a faltering speech in Moscow about how Russia was doing just fine, really. Sanctions weren’t having an effect on Russia’s economy, he said, while sombrely ordering Russians to work harder. He rambled through his conspiracy theories about Ukraine’s democratic uprising and stumbled over a defence of his invasion of Crimea. In case you actually believe your own story, Mr. Putin, your reality check is here.
Last week Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a faltering speech in Moscow about how Russia was doing just fine, really. Sanctions weren’t having an effect on Russia’s economy, he said, while sombrely ordering Russians to work harder. He rambled through his conspiracy theories about Ukraine’s democratic uprising and stumbled over a defence of his invasion of Crimea. In case you actually believe your own story, Mr. Putin, your reality check is here.
Putin Says: In Eastern Ukraine, pro-Russian militants (backed up by Russian troops) represent the will of the people.
Reality: The people of eastern Ukraine massively reject the idea of leaving Ukraine. The “independence referenda” held in militant-occupied areas in May and the “presidential and legislative elections” in November were completely rejected by the international community.
Putin Says: Russia is entitled to a “sphere of influence” around its own borders.
Reality: Ukraine’s future is for Ukrainians alone to decide. Russia’s actions violate one of the core principles of the Charter of the United Nations: the sanctity of the political independence and territorial integrity of nations.
Putin Says: Sanctions against Russia are not working.
Reality: Russia itself has admitted that international sanctions are costing it approximately $40 billion USD. The ruble’s value has plummeted by 25% in the last four months alone. Sanctions have also caused businesses to withdraw enormous amounts of capital from Russia, weakening its economy further.
Putin Says: The West rejects Russia.
Reality: When the Soviet Union fell, Russia was not rejected, but was brought in as a key global player. Russia was also brought into APEC and invited to join the G-7.
Mr. Putin says a lot of things that just don’t jive with reality. The reality is this:
Ukrainians live in an independent country. They deserve to make their own decisions, free from Russia’s meddling.
And Russians are a proud and historic people… they deserve better than Mr. Putin’s dishonesty.