Meet the Crimeans Who Voted to Join Russia: Russian Roulette in Ukraine

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Some people might say that two weeks isn't enough time to prepare for referendum to separating from the country that you've been a part of for the last 70 years. But that's not what a reported 95.5 percent of Crimeans think, according to the official vote count. VICE News correspondent Simon Ostrovsky visits the polling stations in Simferopol, including predominantly Tartar areas where the pro-Russian fervor is seemingly absent.
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[@AbrahamWilliams]

_There is a saying in Russia. War is war but there's always time for lunch._ Good saying.

[@brohan914]

***** in America, civilians are fat fucks while soldiers go hungry. In russia, it's the other way around ;)

[@oFiGuReZo]

brohan914 Hmm fuunny you say that, Because i just got done working on a Marine base and all those kids were driving around in Evo's and other nice cars and all looked rather comfortable to me.

[@brohan914]

oFiGuReZo you obviously have never been subjected to an MRE

[@oFiGuReZo]

brohan914 Yeah i have. I lived off them for over a week after hurricane Katrina and Ike. They aren't awesome but they keep you alive not starving.

[@TaggedRed2]

rideordie too true...lol

[@jakovjockovic7165]

This is strange and illegal for you and Kosovo is not? How do you explain that?

[@seitapril2023offline]

I'm pro-russian, but enjoyed this documentary, saw two former austrian party colleagues. Found it interestesting to hear what the slavic and crim-tatarians had to say too. But anyway: Democracy is important, and every country in the world should improve in elections. Hope the split of from Crimea brings peace in the residue of Ukraine(2 revolutions in 10 years)which seems to be shattered. In Austria I also are not allowed vote at an important election(fu***** bureaucracy). And the victorious party will have 50-60 percent again.

[@herrrieger]

Dude, nice that you enjoyed the documentary, but cmon, really… the FPÖ travel-group looks like absolutely blind "observers" … and I personally feel really ashamed that I see them there, standing their as official representatives for Austria, telling the cameras what they wanna hear. But yeah, I absolutely understand... Nationalists have to show solidarity with each other... … P.S. Voting isn't that hard here in Austria, I never failed since I'm allowed to do it!

[@BigChiefWiggles]

Look at the infrastructure, Crimea is a golden apple of that whole region and after 70 years of Ukrainian "management" almost the entire infrastructure that was built by USSR is collapsing, the ports, the fleet, the buildings, everything is crumbling. Now go and take a look at major Russian cities and regions of importance. Now tell me if things will get better in Crimea once Russia starts putting money into it. Its simple, if things had been getting better in the region, if those people felt like the Ukrainian govt took care of them and acted in their best interests maybe just maybe they wouldn't be so happy and quick to leave.

[@ВалентинаБелозерова-н2ю]

Крым это Россия❤

[@AlexBlacktattoo777]

Нет

[@ВалентинаБелозерова-н2ю]

@@AlexBlacktattoo777 ну как нет?))

[@alammutiara8888]

In Mother Russia, the people guards the military bases! Peace everyone❤️🇷🇺🇵🇭

[@Thomas.Deverell]

Someone who really knows the answer please tell me why this referendum was considered illegal and the referendum in Kosovo legal?

[@hatchxable]

It's call the US imperialism. Who is independent and who is not is decided from the white house.

[@owenthomas5103]

Legally its because of the Ukraineans constitution not allowing it and the criteria in international law for that being over ridden not being met. Moraly/logical because sending a bunch of men with guns into an area to chase off anyone who dosnt agree with you then holding a vote isn't how referendums work.

[@hatchxable]

@@owenthomas5103 the maidan was an ilegal coup backed and supported by the US led west. Actually that's was the start of the crisis in Ukraine.

[@Thomas.Deverell]

@@owenthomas5103 No one was really forced to vote or prevented from voting. Kosovo separated from Serbia against their constitution either, but almost everyone approved that for some reason.

[@Бытьдобру-ц9э]

​@@owenthomas5103по Конституции 1991 год Крым был автономным округом в составе Украины со своим парламентом, но Киев в одностороннем порядке изменил это положение а 1992 году

[@bawonos024]

I watched this episode 8 years ago. Yet here I am again in 2022.

[@eyesopen7946]

and the west still says Crimea was annexed against there will & no democratic vote , savage isn't it

[@bawonos024]

@@eyesopen7946 indeed brother. Corporate-control msm. 😏

[@nmg1909]

They will all care now there is a war.

[@joshanderson8070]

What is this guys name? I like his style. Doesn't take sides, talks to both sides, well, tries haha.

[@eesasiddiqui]

Im pretty sure his first name is simon, but i dont know his last name

[@derekflores3089]

@@eesasiddiqui Simon Ostrovsky

[@CatatonicImperfect]

works for PBS, these days

[@F22onblockland]

The comment section to most of these videos has given me cancer.

[@kgthompson5814]

SSH-40 R.I.P , a mysterious keyboard warrior who battled comment cancer for 5 years. 1990 - 2019

[@dt6614]

Grow up and get some manners.

[@FATTYBONGRIPS]

@@dt6614 womp womp shitter

[@danrook5757]

Join Russia for a better life, yea right. Lol

[@kelaric8794]

when was the last time you were in Russia? Where are you from?

[@cskvision]

A life of being an oppressed peasant for the Kremlin and their corruption and senseless hatred and warmongering towards Western nations. Russian people struggle while Kremlin officials live in billion dollar palaces and yachts.

[@koskey06]

As much as I dont think Russia is the answer but if its what most of the people want then they should become part of Russia. I was not for Obama but that dont mean he shouldnt be my president.... and as long as everything goes peacefully then I hope western countrys dont stick there nose where it dont belong.

[@garysanders6091]

These sorts of actions are illegal for a reason. It would be quite easy to invade another country, blast propaganda then hold a vote to claim more land.. Mexico could do it easily stating that there are many 'native speaking mexicans' in Texas.

[@HansRo4ming]

The Baltic states got to have a referendum too under Stalin about joining the Soviet Union.

[@lordblazer]

Gary Sanders Mexico wouldn't do it because then the US would just straight up annex Mexico completely. Just something to consider. I for one enjoy the fact that America has such friendly neighbors.

[@schustrij277]

Gary Sanders "It would be quite easy to invade another country, blast propaganda..." - well explained U.S. policy

[@MrZust1990]

Iain Colledge I'm from Estonia and I know how that the referendum was strongly influenced by S.U. at that time. People had two options: 1) you will vote for joining S.U. 2) you will be deported to Siberia +everybody had to participate because gunman made you.

[@non_brewed_condiment]

Someone who CURRENTLY works at Vice should probably consider re-watching this series so they can maybe go back to doing this instead of trying to convince me to care about Action Bronson for the past 5 years. The weirdest part about it is that the changes they made seem to be a pretty obvious cash. I imagine the thinking is something along the lines of "let's be Buzzfeed but _edgy_ " however it seems that their old content was significantly more successful. Today I regularly see Vice post things on Facebook that literally get 20 likes in 24 hours, it's crazy. Why make worse content just for it to be unsuccessful?

[@peter7398]

ALL THEY HAVE DO IS GO TO RUSSIA AND LEAVE UKRIAN...

[@xavier7yearsago430]

Why should they leave their home?

[@peter7398]

@@xavier7yearsago430 ...If they are having a problem with the ukriane goverment ..russia is giving people the right to live there ...so they all can go and leave ukrian...

[@zorini1128]

Sorry but VICE lied here, Crimea was part of Ukraine state for about 23 years only, before that it was part of Ukraine region of USSR for ~37 years.

[@rizzorizzo2311]

So that’s not a lie…it has been a part of Ukraine for the last 70 years. Ukraine was still a region called Ukraine during the USSR, and Crimea was part of that region. Don’t be stupid.

[@Dinan5iver2]

I wonder if Simon was wearing his skeptic's shoes during the separation of Kosovo. Somehow I doubt it.

[@capncake8837]

The situations were very different.

[@gooner72]

He's doing his job, it's to ask questions, remember?🙄

[@philipd9901]

@@capncake8837 arrow does not turn... we know.

[@scottya3615]

@@capncake8837 You're right it was. Crimeans wanted to leave Ukraine because the Maidan regime started implementing policies restricting use of their language and they were scared of violent organizations like Right Sector that called for the killing of Russians. Meanwhile the KLA wanted to leave Serbia because they're an extremist terrorist organization that hates Serbs and likes human trafficking.

[@benjamins8082]

No there werent. Tell that to the 30,000 dead Palestinians.

[@bandwagon22]

Crimea has never really been part of Ukraine. Nobody knows what Nikita Hrustsov was thinking when he joined the almost totally Russian are to Ukraine during era of Sovien Union. Crimea+Russia = East Germany + West Germany. The best solution to solve this Ukrainean issue is made it a neutral state. Henry Kissinger has same kind of idea of "Finlandisation".

[@GumMagnum]

Mike Hazeleger if I could 1+ this, I would

[@mikehazeleger9278]

Muddy Fudger Cheers bud.

[@GumMagnum]

Mike Hazeleger Whew, finally got my ass to a PC. It's nice to see that there's at least a couple people who haven't fallen for Putin's propaganda.

[@mikehazeleger9278]

Muddy Fudger Haha the things we do for a +1. Well the thing is, can we really blame Russians for believing their state media? It's just that they don't have that many independent news media to base their information from.. Dozhd (TV Rain) and Novaya Gazeta seem to be the only ones left and they are being harassed. I keep on hoping Russians will see for themselves that they are being led to the slaughter by Putin and his clique. Nobody wants a Cold War 2, but it seems to be going in that direction. Right now, Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine are just forgotten if they get captured, wounded etc. They were 'discharged' without their knowledge for example. en.novayagazeta.ru/politics/68559.html

[@GumMagnum]

Mike Hazeleger That's why I condemn blind Russian-hate just as much as the koolaid some of these people are parroting from Russia Today, or wherever they get it. Honestly, the Russian people have had some of the worst luck in the world for the past two centuries when it comes to leaders. From greedy tyrants to "fascist" tyrants to incompetent tyrants...I don't know if they've really ever known good leadership. It sounds like a vicious cycle of misery to me.

[@jordansoviet23]

The gall to say illegal when the people themselves say otherwise really speaks volumes that you don't respect the will of the people which is DEMOCRACY really is.

[@RPBtoday]

Wait, did you just say that strong arming an election to get your way because you disagree with the others politics is a democracy? You realize that only Russian sympathizers got voting cards right?

[@capncake8837]

I’m pretty sure it was illegal, though. There is also evidence to suggest that the 95.5% approval rating is fabricated.

[@jordansoviet23]

@@capncake8837 lol for you its illegal but people themselves are saying it's their will, NOT YOURS or Western nations will.

[@cloudbuster77]

russification of ukraine been going on for 3 centuries

[@user-wq9mw2xz3j]

yes yes, the hypocricy of the west of supporting democracy/nationalism and independence when it suits them but not when it doesn't. However, this vote isn't really representative or democratic when only yes sayers are allowed to vote. Its as much of a vote as russian elections. totally rigged.

[@mowglig9382]

The man said they didn't see any Russian soldiers on the streets when clearly there was. What he really meant was he couldn't identify any Russian soldiers due to the fact that they had no insignias to prove they were Russian. Also it would explain why the unmarked Russian soldiers left when the observers showed up to Crimea. I feel it's part of something larger.

[@zufar2]

Вы действительно такой глупый человек???? Российские войска всегда были в Крыму. По международному договору в Севастополе. В связи с переворотом и нестабильной обстановкой они были усилены. А те военные на улицах - это бывший "Беркут",который остался без работы,вот и вся тайна)))) А то что одели их,дали оружие и кормят,действительно Российская армия, но это правильно,т.к. так спокойнее,чем ждать беспорядков.

[@mowglig9382]

You're welcome to your own opinion.

[@H4nek]

​@@zufar2 AFAIK, the Berkut soldiers wear blue, like the one inside the hall (conveniently so, otherwise they'd see them). The ones present at the elections and in the city around the vehicles were clearly wearing green and were unmarked besides the white stripe. They were Russians. Stop playing dumb.

[@zufar2]

@@H4nek перестаньте делать дурака! Российские войска всегда были В Крыму по соглашению с Украиной. Если местная власть не может обеспечить безопасность, тогда порядок навели Вежливые люди. Но основную работу выполняли люди в гражданской одежде, бывший Беркут.

[@yeetman4953]

@@zufar2 source?

[@JusticeGranville-uk8ww]

Ukraine said voters were forced to vote at gunpoint....but that is not true here

[@owenthomas5103]

Many likely to vote the "wrong" way were forced out before the vote, and do you really think that group of Russian bikers outside were there to ensure a fair and balanced debate and vote?

[@Rehber05]

​@@owenthomas5103хоть одно имя назови, кого ВЫГНАЛИ, ХОТЬ ОДНО ДОКАЗАТЕЛЬСТВО! ни одного человека насильно не выгнали. Вежливые люди были в Крыму для того чтобы ни у кого не возникло желание навредить народу. Ни каких пригласительных не было, все кто хотел - все проголосовали. Человек с камерой спокойной заходит на избирательный участок- разве это не открытые выборы?

[@killercaos123]

The vote was for (Russia) or (Russia later).

[@randomgreekmathematician3159]

As a Greek supporting Putin, I'd prefer it if he hadn't taken Crimea and other territories from Ukraine, but at the same time I'm against Ukraine joining NATO.

[@missyaman7053]

Me too but the Ukraine government make it easy for Putin to annex all this regions because they harass the ethnic minorities.

[@sephirothfemto]

Vice you were not in Kosovo when the same thing happened. Why?

[@zavtradnem]

Kosovo was ok to separate :)

[@yurivii]

Vice didn't exist back then

[@sephirothfemto]

@@yurivii what? Vice was created in 1994

[@AusAlien]

This reporter is excellent vice. He's got guts and he's professional, cheers for keeping us informed.

[@avibhagan]

he's anti-russian and very pro NATO ,, and yet, he's made all of this Putin Propaganda ,, it's amazing ! or wait ? is he reporting the truth and Putin is not lying ? WTF ?

[@Grunoloj]

С шиной он меня в голос рассмешил.. А если на ней было написано "сделано в Китае"? значит это ВНЕЗАПНО китайские войска?

[@AydarBMSTU]

То есть ты сейчас хочешь сказать, что не из России шина? Ты на это намекаешь?

[@Grunoloj]

AydarBMSTU Я прямо говорю. Причем тут шина? Что необычного в том, что силы самообороны Крыма купили себе Тигр с российскими шинами?

[@PavelSikun]

***** Тигры и АК сотой серии не продаются заграницу.

[@Grunoloj]

Pavel Sikun Как видишь таки продаются. Очень хорошим людям на очень хорошее дело отчего-ж не продать?

[@Yoite-f8s]

Pavel Sikun АК сотой серии как раз предназначены ИСКЛЮЧИТЕЛЬНО на экспорт, за исключением АК-105, небольшими партиями поставляемый МВД и ФССП. Откуда вообще эта утка пошла про сотую серию? У "Тигров" существуют экспортные модификации, и они очень даже активно продаются за рубеж.

[@lilmatty993]

Is that Austrian Observer for real? LOL

[@onemanarmyEST]

Dan F Solh Also the burning of books in Ukrainian language, cult of Putin, the will to commit violence against people who are not afraid to be Ukrainian, showing strictly Putin favoured media, shutting down websites in their own territory in case of "provocation". They want to attack Eastern-Ukraine as well, because most of Crimea's clean water and electricity comes from Ukraine's mainland, some Russian soldiers were already captured in Ukrainian mainland who admitted that they are soldiers of Russian Federation. Putin wants a "Soviet Re-Union", even though his own words were that even thinking of that being possible would be stupid. Russia is the biggest country in the World, why aren't they developing their own country instead of invading others? The main argument for pro-invasion people is that: "the other guy did it too", we have a saying in Estonia that if a person puts his head in the oven, should you too? To make it clear - I am against all invasions, oppressions, wars.

[@pavels52]

@@onemanarmyEST тебе бы к доктору,мозги проверить)...

[@Mr.Beanyuwu]

"Im joining russia bc ukraine is full with thiefs" Russian oligarchs and politicians: Heehehehehehheheheheh

[@Marshmello4545-i1t]

Poor souls😉😉😉😉😉

[@ПашКин-ы9й]

При возможности показать , что людей гнали голосовать под дулами автоматов, ты этого не показал. Почему? Наверное потому что этого небыло.

[@mailmeonline]

Russia is probably the most dull and depressing country to live in.

[@Rom2Serge]

Well, my friend, you should try first. I was living in Russia for 20 years in Cyprus for 5 years and in Spain for 2 years. And couple of years in different Asian countries. And i can say there is not something as a dull county. When i was young i was thinking that Russia is bad country but when i returned i understood that Russia actually really good and interesting county to live in.

[@VeXu666]

@@Rom2Serge like when your pensions get cut by 50%, thats really interesting.

[@Rom2Serge]

@@VeXu666 where are you from mate?

[@alexmorph1]

Раньше думал что голоса поттасованы и выборы не легетимны, но в этой серии видео видно, что очень много народа поддерживают присоединение к России

[@premium8042]

Подтасовка была 1 декабря 1991 года

[@bill-2018]

If they think Russia is so good why don't they pack up and go there!

[@nashonjoel20]

Russophobic, Crimeans are ethnic Russians and Crimea was part of Russia, and LAND belongs to people who live in it, owners of land have decided their fate, who are you to criticize them?

[@Limassolian]

Crimea is russia.

[@agn855]

@@nashonjoel20 - correct, who are you to criticize the criticizers?

[@agn855]

@@Limassolian - right. And Italy is German (since 774)

[@bill-2018]

@@nashonjoel20 If Crimea is ethnic Russian then Russia should also allow Ukrainians to be Ukrainian!

[@jpkriel528]

Ukraine is 77% Ukrainian. Crimea is by a large margin Russian. So if they want to he a part of Russia, it's their right under international law. A country should determine it's own fate without interference. Why is it so hard to just give Russia the Crimea? And why won't Russian supporters just leave it at that? Why want more? Those who don't approve over where they are should move . Simple. And Rissia should take care pf those who reject Ukraine. Why should the Ukranian goverment support them? Is it really that difficult? And why was the referendum illegal and the Scottish/English one not? What happened to the notion that governments should support and respect the will of the people?

[@ian9037]

+jp kriel Your argument makes less sense when you realise that Crimean Russians are immigrants from Russia.. so what you are saying is that you believe that if enough immigrants moved to a country and took part in a referendum to join their home country it would have to...

[@ruslankazimov622]

Shouldn't also Russian be able to choose their own president? LOL ....under international law....

[@lyndagruen2047]

@@ian9037 You forget that Crimea used to be a part of Russia. Krushchev annexed it to Ukraine in the 1950s.

[@pannochka11]

Exactly! The issue is that NATO wanted Crimea, that's all

[@pannochka11]

@@ian9037 that is absolutely not true, please study history

[@alexandernedovizin7560]

Hah so after all, people of Crimea actually wanted to be a part of Russia. Checkmate haters

[@Matt333ETH]

I miss THIS Vice News. Used to be the best and realest news outlet on the planet.

[@lomoDaniel]

When is Russia going to annex Brighton Beach?

[@Furykidxxx]

I dare Putin to do that. ))

[@Ambigouos010Pronoun]

Best comment. Cheers from queens.

[@RomanStepanovTV]

Unbiased Reporting ??? LOL

[@region0706]

whats biased in here? write in full

[@Let_It_Be_______]

*_+Roman Stepanov_* 12:29 «To Be Continued» is significantly signified

[@ericragnar3069]

don't make me laugh. this is what real reporting looks like.

[@tatianalyulkin410]

Simon why are you gaslighting? The Crimea was part of the Soviet Union- never Ukraine.

[@squeaky206]

Crimea wasn't just gifted to Ukraine, it was necessary to because Crimea was connected to the Ukrainian SSR. This was affirmed by multiple friendship treaties and the Belovezha Accords of 1991-92, the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, the Russo-Ukrainian Friendship treaty of 1997, Treaty of 2003 and so on. One of which was overseen by Putin. So Crimea is infact Ukraine, and Donbass is too.

[@sneakerheat6]

Why don't the Russians just fucking move on

[@48kray48]

Вот они те кто голосовал под дулами автоматов. ))))))))))

[@Вьєтконг]

и сколько там молодежы?)))

[@anonmcanon2610]

I love the dispatch videos. Simon is a wonderful journalist, and I would buy a beer for him.

[@pasofino9583]

@Fritz Donnerschlag get out of here JW

[@Dreznik88]

How about a bail of hey for 🐑

[@АнастасияРепина-ж6ц]

Dear citizens of Europe and the USA, you will never shown on TV this: Нападение на крымские автобусы и расстрел крымчан под Корсунем... Situation : the residents of the Crimea returned from Kiev, where they were against the Maidan, fascism and armed seizure of power. They were caught in armed Pro-Western bandits, beaten, humiliated and killed. Why dear VICE news not mention these victims, and the show is mourning one who died Pro-provocateur?

[@Rivvil]

Show proof then.

[@АнастасияРепина-ж6ц]

A bus with people poured gasoline and set on fire, but that the bandits certainly not recorded on video. So taken from the "free democratic peace" citizens

[@Rivvil]

Анастасия Суворова я не вижу этого, пожалуйста пришли/скопируй линк сюда.

[@АнастасияРепина-ж6ц]

Rivvil/watch?v=8S9mODhVNeM

[@Rivvil]

Анастасия Суворова Спасибо. Если это видео на самом деле то что происходит, это очень плохо. Я разочарован.

[@АлександрСанаров-ч4ц]

Ну и где автоматчики, загоняющие людей на референдум?

[@PewLaserBeams]

russia takes a piece of georgia, takes a piece of ukraine whose next,.. Chechnya wants a referendum too..

[@PewLaserBeams]

***** not to be an independent state :P

[@serggla924]

***** Lol do you know how much worse the living conditions in Chechnya would be if they were to become an independent state?

[@mygunisinnocent8028]

***** I wouldn't trust any voting controlled by Putin. In some areas of Chechnya, Putin got 107% of the vote, which means there were more votes for Putin than there were voters.

[@terribird4862]

Chechnya does not want a referendum becouse they had one years ago, but only 3% voted to separate and why would they want to separate if Chechnya is thriving in Russia!

[@haydamak]

Vasili Curd LOL I love "3%" figures, seems to never exist in democracy

[@lincolnlawyer9704]

It’s not like they really had a choice. I mean vote for Russia or you might have a heart attach or fall out a window!

[@robertgalloway3771]

Or be poisoned or sent like the Taters to central Russia!

[@jan22150]

Yeah that seems to be the problem now , you voted against Putin you fall out of Windows or fall off cliffs.

[@celinyin1494]

According to CNN

[@linusa2996]

@@celinyin1494 So, why did they fall out of the hospital/hotel window?

[@dorotazapolnik234]

@@celinyin1494 Ask Putins political opponents , like Navalny who survived poisoning , just to be grown in Russian gulag . Ask thousands of Russian leaving with nothing , just to escape Putins Nazi regime .

[@zhanbek]

OMG. This channel is so biased.

[@KreKeriS911]

Did putin said that? I love how all russians full of their shitty propaganda.

[@Gehirnesser]

KrekerisT Well, you have to remember that they displayed Islamic radicals as peaceful soldiers once.

[@schustrij277]

KrekerisT Propaganda is everywhere, if you think that CNN show only the truth, you're an idiot ...

[@WinterShine7]

I know this is so biased.. but americans think that this is not and they think they are superior after watching this and they think they know everything haha.. sad..

[@Gehirnesser]

MrPayneful Vice

[@xxDragonTearsxx]

"War is war but there's always time for lunch." hahahahh

[@803brando]

russia is the best example of how much of a failure ultra-nationalism is. starting with the cold war; 1) the Korean war, russia supplied north korea with weapons. look at the outcome of that, look at how those people are suffering. 2) the Vietnam war; russia supplied the NVA with weapons, the NVA slaughtered millions of civilians before and after they re-took saigon. 3)Afghanistan war; it was a war of occupation and genocide, the russians killed 1.5 million civilians, after 10 years it wasnt financially viable to continue, so they left. two years later the the soviet union completely collapsed. 4)Yugoslavian wars; russian supplied the serbians with weapons/military equipment. the serbians slaughtered over 140,000 people, over half of which were genocide. 5) syrian civil war; russia tried to block sanctions against syria at the UN. russia supplies assad with weapons including the chemical weapons he used on civilians. given russias history they are also on the wrong side of history when it comes to ukraine; inserting russian troops without insignia, trapping ukrainian military in their bases, then declaring crimea independent, then having faux crimean government officials call for a referendum to join russia again, is a bad precedent to set. maybe the US should do the same, insert US troops, call them self-defense-forces, declare the territory independent, call for a referendum to join the USA, wa-la a new US state with the protection of the entire US military.

[@Matematik126]

Victim advocacy

[@803brando]

i know, that is the whole modus operandi of russians. they must absorb and defend formerly held territories from external aggressors or they will become victims. that explains why in nearly ALL former USSR territories that won independence, russian puppets were installed at the highest levels of their sovereign governments.

[@igoryamolov4048]

> the Vietnam war; russia supplied the NVA with weapons, the NVA slaughtered millions of civilians before and after they re-took saigon. That was liberation war. Meanwhile US forces killed 4 millions of civilians, including spreading chemical weapons over jungles (Agent Orange), and shooting children and burning villages. You have no morale right to blame Russia for helping Vietnameese.

[@803brando]

Igor Yamolov liberation war? what were the communists liberating Vietnam from? capitalism? you cant deny facts, the US said russian communism was wrong post WW2 and never changed its position. russians were the provocateurs when it came to cold war proxy wars(korean war, vietnam war, etc). alternate fictional historical scenario; if the United States collapsed, adopted communism, recovered 20 years later, then started interfering with other countries internal affairs, i would agree with you. heres the reality your country collapsed in 1992, thus proving communism was inferior in every way. you beg for corruption, you beg for subjugation, you beg to be victims. you ultra-nationalists are bringing your country to a place just like in the late 80s/early 90s.

[@bronxrunner9]

I know I'm a US citizen and all but my country needs to mind it's own problems like the failures in Iraq and Afghanistan and the gradual demise of the American dollar thanks to greedy bankers and shady politicians.

[@bobdillian167]

Yes lets all close our eyes and ears. Let the rest of the world suffer by the hands of countries willing to intervene in their affairs, lets say some one like Russia?

[@bronxrunner9]

Everyone's life is being intervened by an external forced that can be traced back to evil deeds.

[@bobdillian167]

William Canaday Okay that is true but you are bashing America for getting involved in Ukrainians affairs but not Russia?

[@bronxrunner9]

America is on an entire different hemisphere, America should be worrying about soaring prices and economic instability.... Not playing world police.

[@bobdillian167]

William Canaday Yes lets leave the policing to Russia. Also the EU is having a bigger say in what is going on in Ukraine by far then the USA. Might want to do some homework buddy.

[@darrelnordyke3625]

I hope that Ukrainian takes back Crimean and gives those who want to stay with Russia a one way ticket to Russia

[@moneybopper8543]

dolbaeb

[@Seele-2015]

As of now it’s nearly impossible

[@pannochka11]

And why?its their land for centuries. Why should they leave their territories? Please study history before you start making stupid remarks

[@samualcrocket1405]

@@pannochka11The history is that Stalin murdered 3.5 million Ukrainians, sent them to political prisons in Siberia, and created mass starvation by stealing their farms and turning them into communal farms. Then Stlkin moved these jackals in as Russian colonists to steal the land, change and even absorb the the Ukrainian culture forever. Putin is trying to finish what Stalin started.

[@gma2893]

Exactly

[@niccolum1988]

Simon i need a telephone number of that girl at 3:23

[@kltic5089]

@Greg Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@kltic5089]

@Greg and I never said you said that either. All I mean is to other people, maybe she isn't average. Some people just catch the eye of certain people. It isn't about whether or not she's the best looking woman in Ukraine or compare to others

[@kltic5089]

@Greg calm down? Hahaha. I think you're misinterpreting something there. I am calm, I was just trying to rephrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" in a way that you can understand. Seeing as you're having some trouble here. Also opinion is the main premise of what I was saying, so what's the problem?

[@kltic5089]

@Greg You're special bud.

[@kltic5089]

@Greg Why are you telling me I'm salty? xD look at the contrast between our comments. This is such a dumb convo. You say we're all entitled to our own opinions, which is essentially what I was saying. But at the same time saying that yours matters more, you're so stubborn to what I am actually saying. Have a nice life bud

[@matsjonsson5111]

Can someone explain for me how this video is supposed to be so biased? He talked to people from both sides, and didn't try to force an opinion on anyone. Simon may be biased, but he doesn't just look for people who share his bias.

[@AlexP-jz9sg]

Well I mean he calls the international observers “Putin apologists.” 😆 Although the bias was toned down in this segment he just couldn’t help himself at certain points. He appears to be seething on the inside.

[@Dreznik88]

@@AlexP-jz9sg I know he's pissed that ethnic Russians want to be w Russia he's so smug about it though SMH

[@dylanc9174]

@@Dreznik88 They should move back to Russia then. You can't divide countries up by their ethnic origin or most of the west would be partitioned to different countries. If you move to a country you should live in that country, not annex the land.

[@Dreznik88]

@@dylanc9174 why should they leave where they grew up because the government is biased towards them ohhh because that's what Nato wants so they can have ukraine in there pockets????smfh

[@Dreznik88]

@@dylanc9174 its OK though they will have there independence and putin will have there back

[@tenniswilliam]

The question if Crimea citizens were intimidated by Russian soldiers or other authorities. It does not seem so. Of the people of Crimea want to control their own destiny and if that is with Russia so be it.

[@antona.1327]

Very cool. Except, that's still against the national laws what Russia did. And remember what happened to Chechnya when it tried to control its own destiny? Yeah, why didn't Russia let those people choose?

[@tenniswilliam]

@@antona.1327 i guess it all depends. For any country it is against tbe law of the nation to succeed. America for example succeeded from England. They had war. Then the Confederate South succeeded from the Union and a civil war ensued. Personally i think war sucks. Everything should be done to avoid it. Referendums and a civilized vote and fair vote is a better path. A similar thing happened in Canada where a referendum was held in Quebec which almost separated to become an independant nation. The seperation vote was 49 percent in favour so Canada almost dissolved. It is still an issue.

[@SoryRN]

@@antona.1327 is controlling your destiny when you kill people in hospitals and bomb infrastructure and do terrorism??

[@kanadaka]

Paid actors appear at 10:26. Way too much smiling and ass kissing,

[@Nikisright]

The man at 4:10 says "What am I a clown?" LMAO, reminds me of Joe Pesci in Goodfellas. The DEMOCRATIC way is to VOTE Jerk-off Obama. BUT, then again, he's not even American. He's African. What a joke for the US Gov to say it isn't legal. AND before you yell at me that I'm Russian - NO, I am American and proud of it!!!! Us Americans believe in REAL democracy, not in the gov's views.

[@nory826]

Get your head out of your ass . this isn't real democracy

[@Nikisright]

Voting isn't indicative of democracy? You're the one with your head up your ass. Try learning what democracy is!

[@mygunisinnocent8028]

What would you say if all the people with Polish ancestry in Chicago decided to have a referendum to join Poland. What about if the ethnic Italians in New York decided to vote to make New York an Italian state. There are 45 million people with German ancestry in America, which is the largest ethnic group. Could they vote to make America a German satellite? Then you have the Irish, British, Swedish, Dutch, French etc. We have people from all over the world here and they became Americans and learned to speak the language. If these Russians living in the territory of Ukraine want to be Russian, they need to move to Russia. If I want to be a German citizen, which is my ancestry, I would move to Germany. I wouldn't expect America to become Germany.

[@sergeibadmaev3403]

Marine Buttkicker People with Polish ancestry in Chicago a little :) People with russian ancestry in Crimea 60%. Not only russian crimeans voted for Russia. Many ukrainians voted for Russia. because current ukrainian government represents only the interests of western Ukraine. I'm not even talking about the economic benefits of joining.

[@Nikisright]

Marine Buttkicker Very good question, however, Chicago and New York were NEVER part of Poland or Italy, and it is NOT legal in America because it is not an autonomous state (or country) and cannot be divided legally. Texas wanted to succeed but are not allowed to. If a state or province wants to succeed, I say, Let em. But that's just my opinion.

[@laim1499]

holy shit, Simon Ostrovsky is one fucking good journalist. Thank you for these dispatches Simon

[@jizzinmypants191919]

He has trouble staying objective.

[@ignaciomunizdiaz5194]

@@jizzinmypants191919 Nope... he is a antirussian propagandist

[@AdverseInfluence]

Great coverage, Simon. Definitely look forward to what's to come. Stay safe, guys

[@VeXu666]

Plot twist: People are still unhappy at crimean russia.

[@nevindumuthukumarana167]

Russia is best

[@fourefs224]

@@nevindumuthukumarana167 no

[@nevindumuthukumarana167]

@@fourefs224 IM LIVED IN CRIMEA , what you say, in here people happy and you dont no how they happy im not say all some muslims not happy but. 99% happy

[@fourefs224]

@@nevindumuthukumarana167 some people are happy while living in mud,it’s ok

[@britvroman]

He says at 0:55 Crimea was a part of Ukraine for over 70 years, but fails to say that Crimea was a part of Russia for over 170 years before that. So it was quite an easy choice for people since they could compare what side treated them the best. It's a no brainer Russia won so easily. "Russian Ruulette" video series just an anti-Russian propaganda.

[@britvroman]

***** You just mad cause you hate Russia. I said it was an easy choice for people in Crimea because they lived under Russian rule for over 170 years and under Ukranian rule for 70 years. So why would they need more time? 2 weeks sounds like plenty of time. People already knew what was better for them since they had a taste of both rules. Also you seem very aggresive, are you mad you lost Crimea? :)

[@xtybe33]

britvroman you dont seem to understand (maybe english isnt your first language?) He is not trying to argue with you about the results of the election (which he probably could).. he is saying 2 weeks to organize a referendum is absolute lunacy, regardless of the result. Im not going to go as far as saying youre a moron, but your reading comprehension seems to be lacking.

[@ProkillerTr856]

by that logic, you should let Chechen people do what ever they want. But if i remember correctly you invaded them when they declared independence

[@britvroman]

@@ProkillerTr856 I agree they should have independence.

[@ProkillerTr856]

@@britvroman nice to hear that. I am curious are you Russian, do you live in Russia at the moment?

[@landlash]

10:29 first guy on the left is Polish, and he spent couple years in Polish prison without sentence just for criticizing US army moving into the Poland. Democracy for ya folks.

[@jjdelft3216]

Source?

[@thelittlemermaid6645]

Ah yeah 😍

[@crissdiamond1907]

And he’s still alive🙄…I would vote for the russian democracy, poisoned/thrown out of a window or beaten and tortured to death in a prison…

[@yeetman4953]

source or your bullshitting?

[@wiecek13]

What hell does act of separatism even mean? I just see a bunch of people leaving one cage to go to another.

[@212025510]

This is real journalism. I wish we had more of that.

[@nowar008]

Austrian man cheers for referendum? 1938 flashbacks

[@steveosborne2297]

The thing is many of these people that voted weren’t even Crimean and were actually Russian citizens so what do you think they’re gonna vote for

[@bunsdad4530]

People vote for what is best for them and their kids. Cit does not matter. The us and Europe have exploited Ukraine and used it as a billionaire atm for a long time. If we had given them a better deal or if they had paid them better when western corporations hyjacked assets after the maidan we would have them. If the us wanted to be good to them they could have let them become the 52 us state…it’s no further than Hawaii and way more valuable.

[@corinnem.239]

Just more FSB manipulation and coercion for their land grab. Russia's tricks do not change but they expect no one to learn from their past ploys ?!? Get real ! Ukraine is so on to their games, tricks, and ploys. I only hope that Europe wises up like Ukraine soon! Winter is coming for Europe literally, and just like in the "Game of Thrones" show. No time to loose. Better wise up and start preparing for a deep freeze winter. We had ALL better prepare, prepare, prepare. None of us will be immune and we had ALL better stick together just like at Winterfell. It is going to be a harsh winter season for everybody. Make your plans for a ZERO Russian oil & gas supply winter of COLD and dark. Off the grid as much as possible. Camping indoors, cooking with camp stoves, wood stoves, wood fires, solar. Stock dried and canned food as much as possible. NOW. If all kinds. Get a solar generator NOW if at all possible. Knit, order, & buy super warm coats, boots, and clothes for cold temperatures NOW.

[@bunsdad4530]

@@corinnem.239 well when Jimmy dore has photos of Ukrainian soldiers with nazzi tattoos you kind of have to wonder The reality is all wars are started by funding extremists because normal people don’t shoot each other

[@tottance77]

Liar

[@gerardojereza7076]

true....they're transplanted russians brought to crimea after 2014

[@revisionisthistories]

OK, now I understand why this guy was detained. It's simple, he is a skewing pos. He talked- asked questions in Russian to the pro-Russian supporters in a berating way. He is biased anti-Russian, at least the other Vice guy there now shows both sides and doesn't openly show bias towards one side or the other. Russian Invasion? They already had thousands of troops in Crimea per agreement with Ukraine for years before Maidan, what invasion is he talking about? Also, the Crimean Tatars were expelled from Crimea during the war because almost all of them fought or collaborated for the Germans. They should be thankful they were not shot for treason. Same thing US did with the Japanese.

[@ShiftyEyedVillain]

It's always a sure sign you are doing the right thing when you have to remove all the insignia and rank from your soldiers, before sending them into a foreign country.

[@Bismarckloping]

I'm able to accept you could arrange a referendum in just two weeks (even though it stinks) but I'm don't understand how they managed to prepare all the celebrations and fireworks. I mean there is a national crisis going on and they have time and resources to buy and set up steges and fireworks. But no, Russia is deffinitely not involved.

[@personaldove]

I say good riddance.Ukraine's better of without them. Now that Russia proved that it can intervene for ethnic purposes.I hope in the future Russia grants the same independance to Chechnya.....oh wait.

[@mikaelandersson3115]

Soon 10 year party , love Crimea Russia❤

[@fireline6]

Ok so can Canada please invade Florida so there can be a referendum!

[@BKizzle4]

"I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to fuckin' amuse you?"

[@creativeandaliveat65]

Options in a referendum: Yes to Russia, or No to Ukraine.

[@Я_Яша]

Tell me you don't know anything about Russia and the Russia-Ukraine situation without telling me you don't know anything about Russia and the Russia-Ukraine situation...

[@LunaticTheCat]

@@Я_Яша Russian flag in username, opinion discarded.

[@BUSHCRAPPING]

but you dont even support a refferendum even if it was free and fair. western polls clocked crimea at about 80% in favour of russia back at this time

[@ReconquestEurope]

@@LunaticTheCat do you know how stupid it is to hate on other opinions just because you didnt like them and try to pass it as "cool"? It seems like ur stuck in a bubble or sth.

[@gheorghitaz]

The liberation of Crimea

[@claudiaclark6162]

I guess the Crimean's won and you people need to leave them alone.

[@luckybiby8968]

You reaped what you had sowed.

[@WallyPCify]

The Ladies at 1:57 when he asked "why" their reaction looked very fascist and they call the Ukraine's fascist fucking hypocrites.

[@wej75]

No, her reaction was that of a person who realized that she was talking to a passive-aggressive POS. Sharp girl.

[@Grunoloj]

you stupid. seriosly.

[@WallyPCify]

Charlie Don't Surf how disgraceful you are for even calling yourself Charlie Don't Surf what are you a Nazi and also Robert is one of the best Actors ever. Your mind is scrambled like eggs stay off drugs.

[@donquique1]

Vice made a living document that will be remembered for centuries. He is the only repirter that goes both sides. Wish media was like that today.

[@rudihartono-wu7yd]

Superman is ded

[@Olsblog]

Invasion??? Are you mad VICE???

[@christinalynn8143]

Appreciate the networks representation of Ukraine and Russia in this tense conflict, issue.

[@ДенисГалеев-ч6о]

Читал комментарий и... Одни боты... Референдум есть, народ шествует победу!!! Гляньте сколько народу... Или опять зелёные человечки... Меньше спаис курите!!!

[@Haberdasher102]

Brilliantly made capstone piece to this whole referendum process. The shades and complexities of individual people on the ground is a good reminder that people everywhere just want the best for their families, even if they can't agree on what that is. Can't wait for the next piece, Simon!

[@Dreznik88]

Too Bad Simon is a brainwashed libtard

[@makk333]

I keep looking at the hosts chin dimple

[@ErickLopez-vn9eu]

What I don't get is, if you love Russia so much and think Ukraine is a mess.. Why live in Ukraine? Seems like most people who voted to re join Russia are sheep who are following the crowd as seen, when he asked the lady 'Why?' Personally these Pro-Russian supports make my blood boil.. The amount of disrespect they show the Ukraine people is pathetic. Ukraine citizens of Crimea have done nothing wrong but stand true to their beliefs. Show some respect.

[@aflightbordum]

95% for it... Riiiiggghhhhtttt ok Russia that's not a lie or anything...

[@candykane4271]

The Austrian must be blind.😂

[@johnlee270]

Traitors against their country are a disgrace and must be expelled from Crimea!

[@nashonjoel20]

Ha ha ha. Russia was their country before Nikita transferred Crimea to UKRAINE. They are back home

[@robertgalloway3771]

The country of the Tarters. Same problem with the English in the U.K.

[@reanimationeas342]

​@@nashonjoel20 The Turks and the Greeks could make a better argument for why they should control Crimea than Russia. Hell even Mongolia could make a better argument for a territorial claim

[@asschezch]

​@@reanimationeas342is there a ethnic mongolian majority?

[@reanimationeas342]

@@asschezch No but the Mongolians used to control Crimea long before Russia did

[@alekseyprokopev7409]

7:00 - An interesting translation of the word "вопрос".

[@dismas8884]

yep they translate the word wrong on purpose.

[@AryanNadeem-q6h]

What does it actually mean?

[@kanfncjjdbsl6462]

@@AryanNadeem-q6hit means „Question“

[@lifeisxtasee]

Человек с жопой на подбородке... Не стоит ему доверять...

[@nandotorres4461]

Poor people from Donetsk and Luhansk, they also wanted to be part of Russia

[@njteech]

Some of the best reporting for sure ...some of the big boys CNN,BBC,etc should take some lessons here...Be safe Simon and crew!

[@Ucmilyaryediyuzellimilyon]

Crimean Tatar!

[@glennwetherbee4495]

Very good that he can speak the language, good ice breaker. Enjoyed your video

[@reanimationeas342]

Being fluent in a foreign language is useful for international journalism

[@daveande6134]

did ya hear the man said he waited for this moment for 20 years? almost everyone in crimea thinks the same. if they wanted to join russia let them join russia, if Kiev wants to join EU let them join eu, problem solved. Crimea didnt participate in your bloody coup and never had a say in your revolution, so its turn for them to make their choice too. Dont be so selfish maidan

[@Xaron1990]

Robert Stetzel, the Austrian observer you interviewed, is actually a member of the FPÖ. Leading an academy. The FPÖ is the rightwing party in Austria. It is in favor of such votings, because these Austrians themselves want to become part of Germany again - Anschluss 2.0.

[@789french5]

Vice is killin it with the Ukraine coverage! Keep it up!

[@zimbabwepapiede926]

We are happy they made a great choice

[@dylanc9174]

@@zimbabwepapiede926 Did they really? It looks like the Russian dictatorship is falling apart slowly. They will wish to be back in Ukraine.

[@Dreznik88]

@@dylanc9174 the fact that people think the Ukrainian politicians aren't crooks is what gets me they sit back and let there ppl get raped

[@DMlTREl]

​​@@dylanc9174 We already how his "dictatorship" falling for whole. Ukraine already tried to get back LDNR and how it ended up?

[@WagnerWithShovels]

​@@dylanc9174No

[@tigermunky]

Vice News. Possibly the only news agency who actually ask the PEOPLE what they want.

[@anonymouse527]

Yes, usually VICE is good like that but this time I was surprised to see them have such preconceived attitude "You don't really want that. You were brainwashed by the commies." which is unacceptable in unbiased journalism. Of course that situation is tricky but at the end of the day what people want is what matters.

[@javiervs2827]

Great time to re watch this. simon made an excellent job with this series.

[@fourchan6194]

ok it might be a over simplification but as person who doesn't know much about the region (Russia or Ukraine) my impression about whole thing has been that the ethnic Russians in Ukraine felt some how they were second class citizens and did not feel welcomed or some how felt they were treated unfairly and now they want to join the russia

[@creativeandaliveat65]

Somehow being the operative concept here. People who want to be Russians need to live in the vast country of Russia. It's bizzarre to think that by storming another country and organizing a "referendum" there legitimizes the invader to annex parts of the said country. Try that within Russian territory and see what happens!

[@shirazladha3526]

Then they should go back to Russia.

[@Masquerade456]

@@creativeandaliveat65 this shows how uneducated you are about Crimea considering it's been Russian majority since 1793 or so.

[@viarnay]

Crimeans or just russian settlers?

[@ethioman123]

hmmm. I understand that the people are fed up with the Ukranian gov... But I think turning into another country isn't a good solution. Am I missing something???

[@Сергей-в1о8я]

yes, that Crimea has always been Russian and Russians live there. therefore, such a result in the referendum

[@shrap8]

Сергей Лобиков Mainland Ukranians are Russians too if that's what you're referring. So your argument is invalid.

[@hypsin]

Сергей Лобиков Crimea has been part of Ukrainian SSR since 1954. Crimea has been part of Ukraine since 1991. What am I missing here? Should Alaska also be part of Russia now? You know, since it used to be part of Russia at one point?

[@nilesrock024]

+Сергей Лобиков Ethnic Russians make up a mere ~58% of Crimean population. The Crimean people are not Russian, SOME of the Crimean people - most, granted - are Russian; but a blanket statement that ALL of them are is not accurate. As such, the results of the referendum are somewhat... questionable, once one starts to really look at the numbers claimed by officials, the polling numbers released days prior, the actions on behalf of pro-Russian activists surrounding the voting sites and the generalized population figures of the Crimean people.

[@MrDehicka]

hypsin How many alaskians speak russian and want to be part of Russia instead of US?

[@jeffincanada5060]

I had friends in Crimea who had little green men come to their doors and tell them that they were building a voters' list. Then they would ask my friends to show the little green men (LGM) their documents/identification that would allow them to vote. With that I.D. in the hands of the LGM, the LGM would ask them which way they intended to vote. When my friends said that they would vote to stay in Ukraine, the LGM refused to return their I.D.s. Because the LGM were armed, there was nothing that my friends could do to get their I.D.s back and so they were unable to vote.

[@tombickman9292]

My family had similar experiences...the whole thing was a sham Hopefully it will soon be undone ..by force unfortunately

[@biopoweruk]

Thanks for this very revealing comment.

[@Rocket_scientist_88]

@Deadhill Cemetery Why would anyone want to vote for Russia?

[@pannochka11]

How interesting. How come they didnt take it to KZbin and European news? All BS. Theres documentaries but obviously this is not good enough to your narrative. If the population is mostly Russian it's only natural that they want to be part of Russia. They have lived on those territories under Russian Empire for centuries! Ukraine stole Crimea illegally, it was never under Ukraine, study history and everything will be clear

[@wayne251975]

@Deadhill Cemetery you have to be a bit mental to think that. Almost as if the joke that Pooty is was actually funny.. Human lives are being wrecked, Russian as well Ukrainians. Even more worse the Country you are so excited about has murdered alot of Civilians. Does any of that sound like liberation???