Crimea

There is a reason why Putin may have already won and not have to start shooting up the Ukraine.  Russia has always been after one thing; access to the Black Sea.  The following timeline helps you see the back and forth one the last 160 years.

Crimean Timeline

1853-1856 Crimean War:  Russia on one side versus the British, French and Ottomans on the other.  Everyone wanted to control the Black Sea.  

1921-Soviet Union (following the Russian revolution) takes over.

1941-WWII and Nazi Germany takes over

1944-Soviets take control again.  As punishment for allegedly conspiring with the Nazis, Joseph Stalin exiles Turkish Tartars to Central Asia.  Over 46% percent of those exiled died along the way from disease and hunger.

1954-By decree from Khrushchev, Crimea is placed under Ukraine control.  The exiled Tartars are allowed to return but find their homes and lands gone.

1991-Fall of the Soviet Union sees an the creation of an independent Ukraine.

1994-Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine agreed to give up its share of the Soviet nuclear arsenal, in return for solemn pledges regarding its security.

2014-Crimea seized by Russian troops.  Russia 1, West 0