Putin and the leader of Ukraine would have eventually settled...

Putin and the leader of Ukraine would have eventually settled this with a long lease over the naval base but Putin's hand picked, golden haired boy got the boot.

As with any area in Europe there are ethnic minorities all over and not just the Russians in Ukraine.

Paramount to all of this is the considerations for the various ethnic groups in Ukraine and what could happen if the situation as a whole isn't dealt with properly.

If a civil war, for example, erupted in Ukraine Russia would be (conveniently) drawn in and these scenarios further complicate a very delicate situation.

Perhaps, Dopey, instead of this diplomacy drum you ratatat on, perhaps addressing the fears, needs and aspirations of the minorities within the country would be better in the first instance than trying to be diplomatic with a snake.