Russia's War Against Ukraine
William Courtney: Russia should fear Ukrainian insurgency
A former pro-European Maidan self-defence activist who is now a reservist of the newly founded Ukrainian National guard, crawls during military exercises at a shooting range not far from Kiev on March 31, 2014, in the presence of the Ukrainian speaker of the parliament and interim president. Ukraine today reported a gradual withdrawal of Russian troops from its border that may be linked to Washington's latest push for a diplomatic solution to the worst East-West standoff since the Cold War. AFP PHOTO / SERGEI SUPINSKY
As Russian forces occupy Crimea—and especially if they invade and hold wider swaths of the country—Ukraine and the West will face momentous decisions about backing an insurgency. The Kremlin may fear the toll that insurgents would take on occupying forces. The West should reinforce this anxiety.
