Publication

This note considers the impact the July 2014 crash of Malaysian flight MH-17 might have on Russia's relationship with the Ukrainian separatists as well as on Ukraine’s future. The author first reviews the actions of separatists in eastern Ukraine between March and July 2014, and Russia’s involvement in them, claiming that while Moscow supported the arming and training of pro-Russian separatists, the separatists have been fighting on their own since April 2014. He then argues that the plane crash could lead Russia to distance itself from the separatists, but that this may not ensure stability in Ukraine.