Ukraine Conflict Live Map
I finally read up on these regions, and know that I&#x27;m not done given that all sources are questionable and no consensus has been reached.<p>But I do understand that Donetsk and Luhansk both have petitioned for more autonomy in an amended Ukranian constitution (that would give all administrative-districts more autonomy). This has failed but apparently Ukraine <i>is</i> in the process of becoming more decentralized with their own constitutional amendments, pursuing a concept of Federalism&#x2F;Confederacy similar to Switzerland, which Donetsk and Luhansk would benefit from but that idea of satisfying those districts has long passed, now that they handle their own affairs and also receive Russian passports now.<p>So because the desired constitution has failed, when that chance for diplomacy was available, and they already receive Russian passports, what exactly is the goal here?<p>Are they supposed to be on the map as their own countries? Are there two new countries on the map? Is there an accession to Russia?<p>I get Putin&#x27;s words look more like a piecemeal approach of chopping territory back from Ukraine, until it and all former soviet states are simply Russian states. But I think most of that is just grandstanding to sound cool to his own people. I <i>also</i> think any opportunity of affinity towards Russia will be seized upon, especially when there is a direct border.<p>I&#x27;m purposely avoiding the discrimination against Ukrainian-speaking people and actions against dissidents, given the area is reported as being lawless for some time now. And focusing on the geopolitical element.<p>So with that in mind, what does recognition as independent even mean? They get Russian passports and citizenship and freedom of movement and work in Russia already. Are they simply saying that civil and criminal justice can&#x27;t be appealed to either Ukraine or Russian higher courts? Going to go with the autonomous region concept until a future referendum of accession into Russia?<p>I can&#x27;t get an answer from my Ukrainian friends either, &quot;its just hybrid war, American news making it bigger than it is, Biden making misinformation&quot;. I watched Putin&#x27;s speech, but okay, maybe my translation was wrong, seems like denial to say Biden is just making a big deal though, but I guess I too wouldn&#x27;t care about a border region full of people that aren&#x27;t interested in my country&#x27;s values. This last point seems to be what another comment from someone transplanted to Ukraine is saying.