Rye Residents Hopeful Russian Sanctions Prevent Military Action

RYE, N.Y. -- With President Barack Obama imposing sanctions against Russian officials following a vote to annex the Crimean region of Urkaine, Rye residents are hopeful that the situation does not escalate.

Marc Deneree believes that sanctions against Russia over its annexation of Crimea are a better option than military intervention.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Frank Yeary said that he thinks Russia will ultimately end up in control of the Crimean region of Ukraine.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Casey Donahue

03/21/2014 6:30 p.m.

"I think sanctions are better than military action," said Marc Deneree. "It's a complicated situation. The majority of Crimea is Russian-leaning in terms of language and culture, but it's still Ukraine."

Deneree said that even though Russia is violating Ukraine's sovereignty by annexing the region, the area is of too much strategic importance for Russia to back down.

"Ultimately, I think Russia will get that territory," he said. 'I hope that it doesn't escalate."

"I think it's important to stand with the Ukrainian people," said Frank Yeary. "I hope everybody's smart enough to know that, as facts stand, there's not a lot of support for military action."

"Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of confidence that it will have an impact," Yeary said. "I think Crimea is lost to the Ukraine."

"I don't know what's going to happen. Hopefully we see a turnaround with Putin. I doubt it, but we shall see. I'm forever hopeful," said Ramona Seay. She said that it would be a mistake if the United States took military action, but if the United Nations intervened together it could have an impact.

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