"Divided we stand": A glimpse Post-Yanukovych Ukraine through local eyes

Self-determination: the “right of peoples to freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development”*. Sounds simple enough, right?

But where are the lines drawn when the makeup of a country has more in common with a fragmented mosaic than a smooth uniform landscape?

The most recent Ukrainian census (2001) reveals the following ethnic breakdown: 77.8 percent Ukrainian, 17.3 percent Russian, 0.6 percent Belorussian and 0.5 percent Crimean Tatars (just to name a few). Zooming into Crimea, a Russian territory up until 1954, the lines become even blurrier: it's 58.3 percent Russian, 24.3 percent Ukrainian and 12.2 percent Crimean Tatars.

Divided they stand, but should that be the case?

Depending on your geographical location fact easily becomes confused with opinion or vice versa. Fact: Russian troops seize public infrastructure and military bases in Crimea. Fact: Ukraine mobilizes its troops in response. Fact: The U.S. condemns Russia's actions and speaks of sanctions.

Opinion: Russia's, Ukraine's and the U.S.' actions are (not) justified. More blurred lines.

This piece gives us a glimpse into the present day realities of a couple individuals on each side of the spectrum through exclusive interviews. For security reasons they have chosen to remain anonymous. When asked what their views are on the actions of Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. they answered the following:

An elderly Ukrainian couple that owns a hotel in Donetsk, Yanukovych's pro-Russian home town, stated “Putin is a strong leader and it is this leadership that will protect us from the chaos engulfing our homeland…those who came to power in Kiev did so in self-interest… not for the greater good of the entire people”. They have lived in Ukraine for the majority of their lives.

Meanwhile, a progressive Ukrainian teacher from Poltava says, “After the dissolution of the Soviet Union we did not become an independent nation, but because of those who died in the Maidan we now have another chance to be. Other countries have no right to meddle in our fate.” Two of her children currently reside in Moscow.

Both sides feel the pressure; be it economic or social. The innkeepers voiced their concerns: “The main difference between now and two weeks ago is that we are more afraid to go outside as we hear about assaults every night”.

The teacher's response echoed some other fears, “More and more of my salary is spent on food and I hear gas prices are to rise…economic collapse may be too high a price to pay”. Additionally, both mentioned the need for peaceful resolution and legitimate elections.

Ukrainian, Russian, a Ukrainian in a pro-Russian town, a Russian in a pro-Ukrainian town. They're all two sides of the same coin. Thought, divided they may try to stand, their cultures, economies and histories are all inevitably intertwined, just as their problems (and respective solutions) will be.

All three countries mentioned above have added fuel to the fuel to the fire and tried to compartmentalize issues and peoples that all go together. Rampant accusations and the usage of terms like ‘Cold War over Crimea' bury the bigger picture of peace and reform under layers of ulterior motives with the occasional hint of hypocrisy.

Whether the UN Security Council or another empowered body can refocus the lens before it shatters remains in the opinion pile. For now, divided we stand and divided we'll fail.

*Definition is courtesy of the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights.