@Zacheryah
You really think he is defending Russian people who lives in Ukraine? Don't you think he is only interested in invading Crimea? That land is full of black gold and is a good place to have as a part of your country in general. Rethink this.
[MENTION=5409]Juventino[RUS][/MENTION]
You being in a minority or more people have the same opinion but are quiet and afraid of him?
Crimea was given to ukraine during the soviet period. Its a strategically important piece of land, cause of the naval base it has, and the passway to the middle seas it offers.
Wich probably was what the US had in mind when they were helping a anti russian fascist party make their coup, helped by europe who was telling lies about possibilities to join the eu (and its riches) whilst in reality they have no interest for their poverty.
When the coup succeeded, Putin needed to act or risk losing his navel base. At the same time, the grand majority of russian people opposed the new goverment there.
So Russia did the smart thing by rolling in the panzers to "stabilise", and get the referendum going, wich the majority of russians signed pro attaching.
See here is the deal. Regardless of what Putin did, its a region that made a referendum, and the us and eu offcourse didnt accept it, cause they just wanted russia to lose Crimae.
But, the same US and EU, DID approve when people in Kosovo made that very same type of referendum.
Scotland is making the same type of referendum in september, and if they gain independance, it will also be recognised.
So whilst Putin needed the Crimea back for strategic reasons, the russian populations did take a referendum and followed the result, wich was called illegal by EU and US, whilst they have allowed it from others in the past and near future.
Take note, that other autonome regions also consider(ed) taking a referendum after the crimea to rejoin russia.
What is happening now in the rest of Ukraine, is pro russian rebels going against the fascist new reign. Putin supports them cause its in his best interest, and helping Russian people across the border will give him plenty of popularity and support in Russia.
Whats the difference with US bombinb ISIS artillery to protect americans ? Same principle really