Recent developments in Ukraine affect also ethnic-Ukrainians living in Slovakia and Slovaks with close ties to the country, and they were all observing the pending Crimean referendum closely – aware that the plebiscite might decide the future of their families and friends.
“This situation is not in accordance with international law because it leads to the violation of the territorial integrity of a sovereign state. The referendum on secession of a portion of the state should have been held nationwide,” said Pavol Bogdan, vice-chair of the Central Council of the Association of Ethnic Ukrainians and Ruthenians in Slovakia. Ukrainian General Consul in Slovakia (based in Prešov) Olga Benc hopes that the situation won’t escalate to further bloodshed. She claimed that the Ukrainian Government abides by international law, which is the only normal way to go. Miroslav Sopoliga from the Museum of Ukrainian Culture thinks that the problems in Ukraine represent a danger not only for Ukraine but the whole world.
