As tensions continue to mount in Ukraine and its Crimea region, the Director of Ukrainian Institute in London, Andy Hunder tells AA that Kiev may consider autonomy to protect its citizens.
Hunder says that Kiev may think about giving more autonomy to Ukraine’s Crimea region, “something very close to independence” to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian citizens.
There are 300,000 Crimea Tatars in Ukraine, Hunder said, “who will not want to go under Moscow”.
“They want to go under Ukraine, which will ensure their rights and civil liberties. Moscow will be a threat to them and I don’t think that they will accept a rule from Russia.”
Crimea Tatars make up a small minority in Crimea’s Russian speaking region; it also holds the highest proportion of Muslims in Ukraine.
“Who will be the voice of the Tatars?” questioned Hunder. “It has escalated in such a level now that we have the world’s biggest players as a part of it, I think, Turkey will definitely be a part of this in some way.”
Hunder believes that the US and UK need to deliver on their assurances to Ukraine, under the Budapest memorandum. However, he admitted that no guarantees have yet been made.
Hunder said that Ukraine gave up the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world in return for these assurances, and that it is essential that the West deliver on these assurances.
“The enforcement of that memorandum is going to be a key issue,” he said.
Discussing NATO’s role in Ukraine’s crisis, Hunder said that it is unlikely that NATO forces will enter Ukraine.
“However, if this does escalate then what is the position of NATO on this, because this is a European country that was given assurances by the U.S, and this could further escalate. If Russia takes over Ukraine today will it take over Poland tomorrow?”
Hunder added: “I would sooner see that there was some sort of United Nations role in the area. If we were to see any boots on the ground, it would be some peace keeping troops.”
Hunder believes that Turkey also has a role to play in Ukraine’s unfolding crisis, due to the two countries being important economic partners.
“Ukraine is looking for allies. It has been attacked by Russia, and now the role for Turkey is very important. The NATO bases are based in Turkey, will Turkey allow NATO bases if they need to fly military jets to Crimea? And how is the government in Ankara seeing this. Turkey could have a very big role to play here.”
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