[demshateGod]

Wishful thinking is right. I’d say there was no bloodshed because Russia’s victory was total. Crimea will be Russia. Maybe you can say that Ukraine’s military did show wise and brave restraint, which lead to no shots fired. If this doesn’t change, Ukraine might be able to keep their eastern half.

[Samogon]

What victory? Russians are kind of wandering aimlessly around there, not knowing what to do next, just pissing off locals. Decisive actions are still ahead.

[SeeSharp]

I can't say I'm 100% convinced Putin will annex Crimea. Russia did sign the treaty guaranteeing the territorial integrity of Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine, the worlds third largest nuclear power, giving up its nuclear weapons. The diplomatic fallout from defaulting on that treaty would pretty bad for Russia. Who would ever treat with the Russians again? That wasn't just some little trade deal.

I suspect Putin will keep his troops in Crimea until the new regime comes to terms with him. And that is exactly what they are going to do. Remember Putin cut off gas supplies to Ukraine after the so-called "Orange Revolution". Tymoshenko wasted no time going to Moscow on her knees then (Well.. she did try stealing Germany's gas for a few days but immediately got caught - LOL). The new regime will soon bend their knees as well. That's my prediction. Let's just hope that whatever happens will be bloodless.

[elhombrelibre]

There will be a push back. Count on it. I know. Putin’s not going to get off without a fight.