_There is a saying in Russia. War is war but there's always time for lunch._ Good saying.

I watched this episode 8 years ago. Yet here I am again in 2022.

Someone who really knows the answer please tell me why this referendum was considered illegal and the referendum in Kosovo legal?

Simon why are you gaslighting? The Crimea was part of the Soviet Union- never Ukraine.

Sorry but VICE lied here, Crimea was part of Ukraine state for about 23 years only, before that it was part of Ukraine region of USSR for ~37 years.

The comment section to most of these videos has given me cancer.

What is this guys name? I like his style. Doesn't take sides, talks to both sides, well, tries haha.

Ukraine said voters were forced to vote at gunpoint....but that is not true here

I wonder if Simon was wearing his skeptic's shoes during the separation of Kosovo. Somehow I doubt it.

The man said they didn't see any Russian soldiers on the streets when clearly there was. What he really meant was he couldn't identify any Russian soldiers due to the fact that they had no insignias to prove they were Russian. Also it would explain why the unmarked Russian soldiers left when the observers showed up to Crimea. I feel it's part of something larger.

При возможности показать , что людей гнали голосовать под дулами автоматов, ты этого не показал. Почему? Наверное потому что этого небыло.

Vice you were not in Kosovo when the same thing happened. Why?

Russia is 43rd on Global Education Index. 49th on Human Development index. It's 5th in crime rates and has one of the highest murder rates (10.2) among developed countries. Russia is 105th on Quality of Life index. It's 73rd on Environmental Performance Index. Russia is 49th on Innovation Index. Russia isnt even on the list for the Renewable Energy Index (makes sense considering most of its money comes from gas and oil exports). It's 122nd on the Industrial Production Growth. It's 33/50 on the Social Progress Index. It's 160th on Corruption (first being least corrupt). Those are just a few interesting numbers showing just how "better" it will be in Russia for its new citizens.

Someone who CURRENTLY works at Vice should probably consider re-watching this series so they can maybe go back to doing this instead of trying to convince me to care about Action Bronson for the past 5 years. The weirdest part about it is that the changes they made seem to be a pretty obvious cash. I imagine the thinking is something along the lines of "let's be Buzzfeed but _edgy_ " however it seems that their old content was significantly more successful. Today I regularly see Vice post things on Facebook that literally get 20 likes in 24 hours, it's crazy. Why make worse content just for it to be unsuccessful?

The gall to say illegal when the people themselves say otherwise really speaks volumes that you don't respect the will of the people which is DEMOCRACY really is.

This reporter is excellent vice. He's got guts and he's professional, cheers for keeping us informed.

С шиной он меня в голос рассмешил.. А если на ней было написано "сделано в Китае"? значит это ВНЕЗАПНО китайские войска?

I had friends in Crimea who had little green men come to their doors and tell them that they were building a voters' list. Then they would ask my friends to show the little green men (LGM) their documents/identification that would allow them to vote. With that I.D. in the hands of the LGM, the LGM would ask them which way they intended to vote. When my friends said that they would vote to stay in Ukraine, the LGM refused to return their I.D.s. Because the LGM were armed, there was nothing that my friends could do to get their I.D.s back and so they were unable to vote.

Crimea has never really been part of Ukraine. Nobody knows what Nikita Hrustsov was thinking when he joined the almost totally Russian are to Ukraine during era of Sovien Union. Crimea+Russia = East Germany + West Germany. The best solution to solve this Ukrainean issue is made it a neutral state. Henry Kissinger has same kind of idea of "Finlandisation".

As a Greek supporting Putin, I'd prefer it if he hadn't taken Crimea and other territories from Ukraine, but at the same time I'm against Ukraine joining NATO.

10:29 first guy on the left is Polish, and he spent couple years in Polish prison without sentence just for criticizing US army moving into the Poland. Democracy for ya folks.

Раньше думал что голоса поттасованы и выборы не легетимны, но в этой серии видео видно, что очень много народа поддерживают присоединение к России

The thing is many of these people that voted weren’t even Crimean and were actually Russian citizens so what do you think they’re gonna vote for

Is that Austrian Observer for real? LOL

As much as I dont think Russia is the answer but if its what most of the people want then they should become part of Russia. I was not for Obama but that dont mean he shouldnt be my president.... and as long as everything goes peacefully then I hope western countrys dont stick there nose where it dont belong.

If they think Russia is so good why don't they pack up and go there!

I miss THIS Vice News. Used to be the best and realest news outlet on the planet.

I know I'm a US citizen and all but my country needs to mind it's own problems like the failures in Iraq and Afghanistan and the gradual demise of the American dollar thanks to greedy bankers and shady politicians.

"War is war but there's always time for lunch." hahahahh

He says at 0:55 Crimea was a part of Ukraine for over 70 years, but fails to say that Crimea was a part of Russia for over 170 years before that. So it was quite an easy choice for people since they could compare what side treated them the best. It's a no brainer Russia won so easily. "Russian Ruulette" video series just an anti-Russian propaganda.

Hah so after all, people of Crimea actually wanted to be a part of Russia. Checkmate haters

This is real journalism. I wish we had more of that.

Can someone explain for me how this video is supposed to be so biased? He talked to people from both sides, and didn't try to force an opinion on anyone. Simon may be biased, but he doesn't just look for people who share his bias.

I hope that Ukrainian takes back Crimean and gives those who want to stay with Russia a one way ticket to Russia

russia takes a piece of georgia, takes a piece of ukraine whose next,.. Chechnya wants a referendum too..

Brilliantly made capstone piece to this whole referendum process. The shades and complexities of individual people on the ground is a good reminder that people everywhere just want the best for their families, even if they can't agree on what that is. Can't wait for the next piece, Simon!

Ukraine is 77% Ukrainian. Crimea is by a large margin Russian. So if they want to he a part of Russia, it's their right under international law. A country should determine it's own fate without interference. Why is it so hard to just give Russia the Crimea? And why won't Russian supporters just leave it at that? Why want more? Those who don't approve over where they are should move . Simple. And Rissia should take care pf those who reject Ukraine. Why should the Ukranian goverment support them? Is it really that difficult? And why was the referendum illegal and the Scottish/English one not? What happened to the notion that governments should support and respect the will of the people?

Ну и где автоматчики, загоняющие людей на референдум?

ok it might be a over simplification but as person who doesn't know much about the region (Russia or Ukraine) my impression about whole thing has been that the ethnic Russians in Ukraine felt some how they were second class citizens and did not feel welcomed or some how felt they were treated unfairly and now they want to join the russia

"Im joining russia bc ukraine is full with thiefs" Russian oligarchs and politicians: Heehehehehehheheheheh

Great coverage, Simon. Definitely look forward to what's to come. Stay safe, guys

"I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to fuckin' amuse you?"

Look at how happy those people are that Crimea returned home. Why America and the west can’t handle a peaceful vote just because it’s not how they wanted it to end is beyond me. Even as an American, every day my government officials disappoint and make me ashamed. At least Russia has something to be proud of. 96% of Crimeans wanted to go to Russia.

Traitors against their country are a disgrace and must be expelled from Crimea!

What hell does act of separatism even mean? I just see a bunch of people leaving one cage to go to another.

1:58 That woman literally ran away when he asked 'why' she was voting to join Russia. I wonder if that's because she's voting blindly or under threat of something?

Russia is probably the most dull and depressing country to live in.

Austrian man cheers for referendum? 1938 flashbacks

When is Russia going to annex Brighton Beach?

I love the dispatch videos. Simon is a wonderful journalist, and I would buy a beer for him.

It’s not like they really had a choice. I mean vote for Russia or you might have a heart attach or fall out a window!

It's always a sure sign you are doing the right thing when you have to remove all the insignia and rank from your soldiers, before sending them into a foreign country.

This made me so mad. If you want to be a part of Russia, go move to Russia. Do not complain about things that were happening that have nothing to do with the new government. In fact things will probably change for the better now. The reasons that people are moaning about Ukraine being bad for, are the reasons why the government was toppled in the first place.

holy shit, Simon Ostrovsky is one fucking good journalist. Thank you for these dispatches Simon

Great time to re watch this. simon made an excellent job with this series.

Options in a referendum: Yes to Russia, or No to Ukraine.

this has been the best series on vice in a while

russia is the best example of how much of a failure ultra-nationalism is. starting with the cold war; 1) the Korean war, russia supplied north korea with weapons. look at the outcome of that, look at how those people are suffering. 2) the Vietnam war; russia supplied the NVA with weapons, the NVA slaughtered millions of civilians before and after they re-took saigon. 3)Afghanistan war; it was a war of occupation and genocide, the russians killed 1.5 million civilians, after 10 years it wasnt financially viable to continue, so they left. two years later the the soviet union completely collapsed. 4)Yugoslavian wars; russian supplied the serbians with weapons/military equipment. the serbians slaughtered over 140,000 people, over half of which were genocide. 5) syrian civil war; russia tried to block sanctions against syria at the UN. russia supplies assad with weapons including the chemical weapons he used on civilians. given russias history they are also on the wrong side of history when it comes to ukraine; inserting russian troops without insignia, trapping ukrainian military in their bases, then declaring crimea independent, then having faux crimean government officials call for a referendum to join russia again, is a bad precedent to set. maybe the US should do the same, insert US troops, call them self-defense-forces, declare the territory independent, call for a referendum to join the USA, wa-la a new US state with the protection of the entire US military.

Vice made a living document that will be remembered for centuries. He is the only repirter that goes both sides. Wish media was like that today.

Waking up in another country happened in 1991. Where people that were Russia, woke up in a country called Ukraine!

Yes! Because Russia sounds so inviting.... -_-

Dear citizens of Europe and the USA, you will never shown on TV this: Нападение на крымские автобусы и расстрел крымчан под Корсунем... Situation : the residents of the Crimea returned from Kiev, where they were against the Maidan, fascism and armed seizure of power. They were caught in armed Pro-Western bandits, beaten, humiliated and killed. Why dear VICE news not mention these victims, and the show is mourning one who died Pro-provocateur?

Join Russia for a better life, yea right. Lol

What? No 140% this time? Shame on you Putin

The Ladies at 1:57 when he asked "why" their reaction looked very fascist and they call the Ukraine's fascist fucking hypocrites.

I'm able to accept you could arrange a referendum in just two weeks (even though it stinks) but I'm don't understand how they managed to prepare all the celebrations and fireworks. I mean there is a national crisis going on and they have time and resources to buy and set up steges and fireworks. But no, Russia is deffinitely not involved.

Appreciate the networks representation of Ukraine and Russia in this tense conflict, issue.

did ya hear the man said he waited for this moment for 20 years? almost everyone in crimea thinks the same. if they wanted to join russia let them join russia, if Kiev wants to join EU let them join eu, problem solved. Crimea didnt participate in your bloody coup and never had a say in your revolution, so its turn for them to make their choice too. Dont be so selfish maidan

The question if Crimea citizens were intimidated by Russian soldiers or other authorities. It does not seem so. Of the people of Crimea want to control their own destiny and if that is with Russia so be it.

7:07 the man is telling lies, there is no need to be invited for referendum, there is a need to be legally registered on the territory of staying. And the problem is that beloved Ukraine government didnt help tatars to solve this problem when they returned to Crimea from Central Asia in 90s

Robert Stetzel, the Austrian observer you interviewed, is actually a member of the FPÖ. Leading an academy. The FPÖ is the rightwing party in Austria. It is in favor of such votings, because these Austrians themselves want to become part of Germany again - Anschluss 2.0.

"two weeks isn't enough", shut up please. They have been waiting for 22 years

The man at 4:10 says "What am I a clown?" LMAO, reminds me of Joe Pesci in Goodfellas. The DEMOCRATIC way is to VOTE Jerk-off Obama. BUT, then again, he's not even American. He's African. What a joke for the US Gov to say it isn't legal. AND before you yell at me that I'm Russian - NO, I am American and proud of it!!!! Us Americans believe in REAL democracy, not in the gov's views.

Plot twist: People are still unhappy at crimean russia.

7:00 - An interesting translation of the word "вопрос".

Very good that he can speak the language, good ice breaker. Enjoyed your video

Vice is killin it with the Ukraine coverage! Keep it up!

Hats off to Vice! This is probably the most informative and honest documentation of what Is actually occurring in Ukraine right now. People need to be educated on the situation and this is a great way to do that.

I believe even if a genuine 100% of the population voted it would have still been in Russia's favor

Excellent boots-on-the-ground journalism by Simon Ostrovsky

EU has placed sanctions against 21 persons, meaning they will limit their visits to EU and also maybe freeze their assets. Seems bad. I hope this doesn't escalate.

Interviewer: "Why do you want this?" Russians: "baaa! baa!" *sheep*

As an Austrian, I'm ashamed of Robert Stetzl ("austrian observer").. A populist political which nobody needs!

One of the problems here is that the people who don't want to separate Ukraine are refusing to vote in the poll that will decide it. What part of that don't they understand?

What I don't get is, if you love Russia so much and think Ukraine is a mess.. Why live in Ukraine? Seems like most people who voted to re join Russia are sheep who are following the crowd as seen, when he asked the lady 'Why?' Personally these Pro-Russian supports make my blood boil.. The amount of disrespect they show the Ukraine people is pathetic. Ukraine citizens of Crimea have done nothing wrong but stand true to their beliefs. Show some respect.

hmmm. I understand that the people are fed up with the Ukranian gov... But I think turning into another country isn't a good solution. Am I missing something???

Вот они те кто голосовал под дулами автоматов. ))))))))))

High compliments on your excellent coverage of the 'Ukrainian conflict', aka 'Russian Roulette'. Looking at the dispatches, watching the reactions and seeing the brainwashed versus the seriously stressed, brought home in a serious professional journalistic sense, showing the absolute ludicrous insane nature of the ongoing saga, definitely warrants a top Pulitzer Prize ! Keep em coming my friends and please stay safe, you have a Canuck as a loyal viewer and supporter...

Vice News. Possibly the only news agency who actually ask the PEOPLE what they want.

Clear voting boxes like WTF ...why even have the curtains then.

"we vote to join Russia for a better life" that aged well in 2022 lol

i loled at that "made in russia" note. just so you know, the rifles of those ukranian military also have that sign.

Я смотрю там разруха полная, троллейбус из каменного века, все здания в плохом состоянии. Включил русские субтитры, стало веселей. )

I wonder where are they now...those cowards and traitors

If those people voted to join Russia, then they need to move to Russia and get the hell out of Crimea Ukraine.

Translation at 2:45 is incorrect (women who was robbed by Ukraine). She said: "I from his account (he had 6000)... 'catches breath' they didn't gave me 500 for his burial! They said Yulia canceled this law".

Some great reporting! And thanks to Peter (?) and his crew for going there. Cheers!

you need to get Shane over there telling them all that he loves them haha, that will chill them out a bit XD

The Austrian must be blind.😂

а есть ли по осетинского конфликта у него же репортажи? Thanks