Russian Connection in Land of Ten Thousand Dogs

I find myself again in the Crimean region of Ukraine, which has very close ties to Russia. The fabled Black Fleet is docked in her ports, only Russian is spoken on the streets, and our flat is across from Lenin Square. When the Ukrainian flag is displayed, the Russian flag is displayed alongside. Kiev is supposedly the seat of power, but it seems that Russia is pulling at least some of the strings. We noticed the flats had better heat in Crimea than in Kiev, which is not suprising, as most of the country's energy derives from its eastern neighbor.

So what defines a country? Geography? Culture? Randomness assigned by a former colonial power? In the case of Crimea, it was "given" as a gift to Ukraine by the Russians, who never at the time considered their empire would fade. Imagine the surprise of the former Russian inhabitants when they found out they needed new passports. And the resentment appears to have sustained a half century. The economic crisis that began in the US has certainly "trickled down" to Ukraine as well. The first day the electricity went out. I was told that all the utilities are scarce and unreliable. The usual trash exists in the streets, but it may be even worse now. And the hounds still have free roam in the land of 10,000 dogs.