They executed an old plan/dream, that they had no right to. Ukraine gave away their nuclear weapons so that RF would respects its territory. Of course, RF has had its fat fingers in Ukrainian politics since its inception. Even the RF developed (Excellent) flight sim Su-27 from 1996 had crimea as the only map and scenario, with the main thing being Ukraine vs RF.
Well maybe they had this plan. IMHO ukranian politics acted too rough against RF, politically they made many mistakes. RF used revolution in Kiev to annex Crimea, even after one year of annexation people in Crimea thinks that they made a right chose. I think RF planned this referendum, maybe later and Crimea would join RF anyways, RF used situation in Kiev. Bad or good I don't know.
No, RF created the rebellion, tried to make it look like a natural Maidan. I remember the videos of pure white sandbags blocking streets. It was not a people's revolt, but planned, started, commanded from RF, again with semi-military means. A more advanced version of crimea.
Well maybe yes, maybe no. Anyway people in Donbass were ready for this rebellion.
Afair the first reports of artillery being used was RF shelling of Ukrainian troops from across the border. IMO Ukraine commanders had no option but to set hard against hard. RF just responded by escalating the brutality at will. They had thousands of soldiers ready across the border, shuffling them in and out as they wanted.
And this explains why ukranian army shelled Donetsk and Luhansk? About first reports I can disagree, or this first reports you heard. Ukranian army also shelled across the border.
I'm sure shit happens in war, both ways. Sometimes Ukrainian separatists "finds" BUK's and shoot down civilian airplanes.
I'm not that sure that separatists shot down that airplane, but it can be. But shelling schools and hospitals and children gardens were not a one mistake, there were a lot of shellings.
Considering you are in deep shit if you air your true opinion about separatists, that such opinion would never be broadcast in RF media, that most Ukr sympathizers have run away long time ago, considering that RF propaganda has been bombarding Ukr with bullshit about baby crucifixion style lies since the start of the conflict... well no shit, im sure they hate Poroshenko. The rest of Ukraine now hates Putin though.
Don't know about RF media. But what I heard from Donbass civilians ukranian troops robbed people, shelled buildings from tanks just for fun. And Donbass people watch ukr TV too, and they see what a huge lie ukr TV say, every shelling of them they made by themselves. Ofcourse they will hate Poroshenko and ukr TV.
The only thing is that nobody wants this war, except Putin of course. The war is absurd, and its mostly about russian pride.
Interesting why you think that only Putin gains something. For me USA gain more.