Saskatchewan-Ukrianians brace for referendum

ABOVE: There are growing concerns among Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian community following the referendum in the Crimea this past Sunday. Global’s Steve Silva has the story. 

REGINA – The atmosphere was festive for hundreds of Ukrainian-Canadians in Regina this weekend at the annual Tavria Festival, but the mood was bittersweet.

He, like other Ukrainian-Canadians, braced for today’s outcome of the referendum; a choice for Crimea to either join Russia, or remain an autonomous region that may or may not be part Ukraine.

Sorokotiaguine, who moved to Canada two decades ago, has family back home that lives six hours from Crimea.

“We worry about this because it’s not too far, and if something happens, everybody will be in big, big trouble,” he said.

Given the Russian military’s occupation of Crimea, University of Regina professor Nilgun Onder doesn’t see the referendum as legal or legitimate; a sentiment shared by several European countries.

Onder, who teaches political science and international studies, says that an independent Crimea won’t be recognized by most states in the world, and that Crimea joining Russia only furthers political, diplomatic, and economic pressures on Russia.

It would be a long term solution, but she does have an idea: “A joint Russian-Ukrainian rule in Crimea but with significant local autonomy.”

While many world leaders are focused on the repercussions for Russia’s actions, some are worried about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s next step.

“He’s started an invasion and he’s not going to stop until he tries to get the whole country,” said Orest Gawdyda, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s Regina branch.