Russia, Separatists, and NATO - Echoes of Georgia Conflict

Unfortunately, political tensions in Eastern Europe, many aggravated by the Russia-Georgia conflict, are increasing. Ukraine's pro-Western coalition government has announced its collapse, even though Ukraine's prime minister has not admitted to "official" collapse. Ukraine's President Yushchenko and Prime Minister Tymoshenko have disagreed about policy issues concerning Russia.

One policy issue is Ukraine's reaction to how Russia may be using its practiced tactic of stirring up separatist passions in one region of Ukraine, the Crimean Peninsula. Tymoshenko has been accused of working in favor of Russia, which is still smarting over its loss of Ukraine after the fall of the USSR. It has been reported that Putin has made disparaging remarks about Ukraine's statehood and even threatened the country with regards to NATO.

In related news, there are also pro-Moscow separatists residing in Trans-Dniester, a break-away region in Moldova. Moldova has shied away from joining NATO to lessen the likelihood of potential violence. Trans-Dniester separatists have been emboldened by Russia's support of separatists in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russian President Medvedev has vowed to protect Russian citizens "wherever they are."

Some citizens in Trans-Dniester hold Russian passports. It has also been reported that Russia has handed out passports in Crimea. Putin has stated that Russia has "no imperial ambitions."