Ukraine: Russian-pronged strategy

In addition to the side of the army , the Russian strategy in the Crimea , but that is likely to be replicated in eastern Ukraine , also unfolds on the side of propaganda. Already the employment of Russian military is taking place with no real physical confrontations , but through the peaceful occupation of the streets and squares, which are located close to the centers of power in the autonomous republic . What is happening is able to realize thanks to the support of the majority of the population that prefers to return secede from Ukraine under the protection to all intents and purposes, the great mother Russia. Kiev is far away and can only appeal to the mistreated inconsistent with international law or to the support of the U.S. and EU . The propaganda machine of the Kremlin talks essentially a non-violent occupation , which favors the passage of soldiers and officials of the Crimea, and then formally Ukraine , at the side of the Russians. The cases of entire barracks and fleet Ukrainian , who leave the country to assist the Russians seem to be endless. In the Ukrainian capital , on the contrary , it is called sporadic cases magnified by the false information that Moscow uses to endorse , at the international level , a clear will of the people . If the principle of self-determination of peoples is valid , Moscow is just pandering to the will of the population of the Crimea. However, there is still no official pronouncement , even if the referendum of 30 March does not seem to affect the autonomy of Crimea, but his transition to a sovereign state. The question is then , according to international law in favor of Kiev, who , meanwhile, has decreed a general mobilization of reservists to be able to deal with a possible invasion of the state. This decision could mean that Ukraine considers now lost the Crimea, but wishes to avoid that Moscow will push even further. In fact, this possibility seems very likely , especially in areas close to the Crimea and those in the East on the border with Russia. The demonstrations in favor of Moscow, which were held in Odessa , Donetsk and Kharkiv , provide a clear signal . Russia relies heavily on this factor to promote revolts against Kiev and to conduct the same kind of peaceful occupation , which passes through the sharing of the objectives of the Russian population and the armed forces , which pass under the banner of Moscow in a voluntary manner . Putin is strong permission to use military force with the mandate of the Senate , do not use this option, but get the same the objective will be a willing driver's license , which can hardly be denied without military clashes . Armed clashes that may occur seems very difficult , given the disparity of forces in the field . Ukraine , in the present state of things, if you can keep about half of its territory can be said to be satisfied. However, the dismemberment of the country will have serious repercussions on ethnic minority groups, with the risk of a progressive situation of balkanization on a regional basis . To prevent this disturbing possibility , it seems essential that the United Nations is put to work immediately with a relentless diplomatic work , so as to ensure the proper protection of minorities .