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	Ukraine was one of the Geography and places good articles, but it has been removed from the list. There are suggestions below for improving the article to meet the good article criteria. Once these issues have been addressed, the article can be renominated. Editors may also seek a reassessment of the decision if they believe there was a mistake.
Article milestones Date Process Result April 12, 2006 Good article nominee Not listed December 21, 2007 Good article nominee Not listed January 26, 2008 Good article nominee Listed July 12, 2008 Peer review Reviewed August 8, 2008 Featured article candidate Not promoted July 30, 2013 Good article reassessment Delisted Current status: Delisted good article

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A fact from this article was featured on Misplaced Pages's Main Page in the On this day section on August 24, 2004, August 24, 2005, August 24, 2006, August 24, 2007, August 24, 2008, August 24, 2009, August 24, 2010, August 24, 2011, and August 24, 2012.

Ukraine or Kievean Rus?

(moved to central discussion page)
Talk:Kievan_Rus'/Kievan_Rus'_v_Rus
— Preceding unsigned comment added by Taivo (talk • contribs) 10:45, 10 January 2012 (UTC)

Link instead of transclude. — Makyen (talk) 00:40, 20 April 2014 (UTC)

Government

Obviously, the situation in Ukraine right now is both somewhat unclear and in rapid flux. We should monitor the situation and be ready to update the infobox when it becomes appropriate to do so. -Kudzu1 (talk) 09:27, 22 February 2014 (UTC)

Violent Coup by Hard-right Extremist Thugs

But the general situation in Ukraine is now reasonably clear. Far from rhetoric about freedom-loving protesters, as presented on the main news outlets, these are nothing more than violent thugs that have been trained and funded by the outside interests. For when do 'peaceful' protesters use fire-bombs and firearms or beat up/shoot at the police? And despite their fantasy about non-violent protesters, how would the US government react if this happened in Washington? Instead of the term "Government", should not a heading reflect on the violent nature of yet another staged Color Revolt? 84.13.14.26 (talk) 12:40, 24 February 2014 (UTC)

the government is illegitimate and came to power because of the coup d`etat — Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.140.213.194 (talk) 08:36, 17 May 2014 (UTC)

Time to redo the maps

The referendum was taken and Crimea is now part of Russia. Whether the rest of the world considers it legal or not at this point is irrelevant. You need a Russian passport to get into Crimea and Ukranian passports are no longer valid there. The currency is being switched to the Ruble. Effectively, Crimea is part of Russia and that's probably not going to change. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dipper3 (talk • contribs) 15:54, 17 March 2014 (UTC)

While I'm not quite as gung-ho about it, I think we probably should start adjusting maps to shade Crimea in a different color than the rest of Ukraine - like the maps on the pages for Georgia and Azerbaijan. Kiralexis (talk) 16:22, 17 March 2014 (UTC)

You're trying to equivocate. Crimea is de-facto part of Russia. Abhkazia and South Ossetia are two regions of Georgia are protected by Russian troops under an OSCE sanctioned mission. Crimea is part of Russia and Abhkazia and South Ossetia are not. The Misplaced Pages community isn't entitled to their own facts. Crimea is de-facto part of Russia. If you want to feel better about yourself then you can mention that it is claimed by Ukraine based on an off-hand remark that Khrushchev made 50 years ago.

Can you provide proof that Russian troops protect Abkhazia and South Ossetia under OSCE mandate? Last time I checked, their presence there was considered as military occupation by Europeans. --UA Victory (talk) 21:05, 17 March 2014 (UTC)

Lol, which Europeans do you ask? The Russians are Europeans. According to OSCE: http://www.osce.org/georgia-closed/44630, " The Mission's main priority was to contribute to the peaceful resolution of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict. Applying OSCE's comprehensive approach, the Mission worked in the politico-military, economic and environmental, and human areas of security. The Mission participated actively in meetings of the Joint Control Commission (JCC), the negotiation mechanism co-chaired by the Georgian, South Ossetian, North Ossetian and Russian sides." The JCC kept the peace for 20 years from the fall of the USSR. Then Saaskavilli (sp) was elected and unilaterally withdrew from the JCC and started bombarding South Ossetia with artillery. In this case, the Russians were obligating, under existing agreements, to protect the South Ossetians from the Georgians. They do not claim sovereignty over South Ossetia (though they have recognized their independence since the 2008 war). — Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.79.251.253 (talk) 22:57, 17 March 2014 (UTC)

OSCE mission in South Ossetia was terminated by Russians. According to: http://eurodialogue.org/OSCE-RIP-in-Georgia "Russia forced the OSCE to close the Mission by vetoing the prolongation of its mandate in the OSCE's Permanent Council. Also on June 30 the U.N. Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), which had for 15 years monitored the situation in and around Abkhazia, began evacuating its personnel, following Russia's veto against that Mission's mandate in the U.N.". Before Georgia attacked South Ossetia, there was South Ossetian attacks on Georgians. But Russians didn't stop Ossetian attacks so Georgians retaliated. Currently, Russia doesn't allow EUMM monitors to visit South Ossetia. Here is the resolution of European Parliament where Europeans called upon Russians to leave Abkhazia and South Ossetia. --UA Victory (talk) 07:32, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

Let's talk dates. Georgia withdrew from the JCC in March 2008. Russia decided not to renew the JCC mandate in June 2008 but the OSCE remained through the end of the year. Georgia attacked South Ossetia in August 2008 according to OSCE monitors. I will quote directly from the Dr. Ryan Gris,t head of the OSCE mission in Georgia: "It was clear to me that the Georgian attack was completely indiscriminate and disproportionate to any, if indeed there had been any, provocation,” Grist said. “The attack was clearly, in my mind, an indiscriminate attack on the town, as a town." http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5114401.ece. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.79.251.253 (talk) 17:24, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

Ryan Grist was fired from OSCE. It has been suggested that he may have been bribed by Russians. I will quote from Ryan Grist - "Grist acknowledged he crossed through Russian lines without authorization on his own initiative to determine the facts, which ultimately cost him his OSCE job. He resigned from the OSCE immediately after the war. WSJ adds Grist remains "scathing" about Georgian actions before and during the war, but says that some of his comments have been overinterpreted and quotes Grist saying "I have never said there was no provocation by the South Ossetians."" Even EU investigation acknowledged that there was Ossetian attacks before Georgia responded militarily. It seems weird that you are protecting Russian support of Ossetian separatists against Georgia while at the same time Chechen struggle for independent Chechen republic was crushed. --UA Victory (talk) 20:37, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

That is an ad hominem attack on Ryan Grist. Nowhere do you dispute his claims; You only attack his character. Not only was he the "Head of Mission" for OSCE but he was corroborated by other OSCE officials. For example, Senior OSCE official, and former Royal Air Force Commander, Stephen Young corroborates the statements made by Ryan Grist. Are you going to attack his credibility as well? I am merely pointing out that Russia had an OSCE-sanctioned, Georgian approved, peace keeping mandate which required them to intervene when Georgia unilaterally attacked South Ossetia.173.79.251.253 (talk) 17:00, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Also, I do not see a conflict with these two statements: Grist: "I have never said there was no provocation by the South Ossetians." Grist: "It was clear to me that the Georgian attack was completely indiscriminate and disproportionate to any, if indeed there had been any, provocation.” Just because Grist does not presume that there was a provocation does not mean that he denies that there was a provocation. His point is that, even if there was a provocation, the response was indiscriminate and disproportionate. One statement does not contradict the other. It would take bad logic to jump from "if indeed there had been any " to "there was no provocation".173.79.251.253 (talk) 19:19, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

I didn't attack on Ryan Grist personally. I simply quoted the fact that his objectivity was questioned by Western officials and journalists. Everybody calls Georgian attack on Tskhinvali disproportionate, but they don't give suggestions how should Georgia have responded to provocations. For comparison, Russia didn't forgive Chechens for self-proclaimed independence. After Chechen invasion of Dagestan Russians attacked and totally destroyed Grozny. --UA Victory (talk) 19:43, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Sorry, but acting badly with the argument that others did as well is just wrong and shows a lack or morality. Here are three facts: 1. Georgia was attacking first. Nowhere in the Western media this was mentioned, in fact the hole war was basically blamed to the Russians by the Western media. 2. There is no proof if the shell attackers of the Georgian cities were from South Ossetia. They could even have been from anywhere else, including some CIA agents, after all. 3. The information in the Western media is neither independent nor objective. In fact it's strongly influenced by US propaganda organisations. Beyond all that, I'm not sure if a guy calling himself "U(S)A Victory" is the right person to discuss all these issues. Especially not in the Ukraine discussion threat. Actually, the USA should first send their own war criminals to prison before again gaining some international or political credibility. But this has nothing to do with the Ukraine, has it? --178.197.236.165 (talk) 13:41, 27 May 2014 (UTC)

Even the Russian analyst Pavel Felgenhauer acknowledged that the Ossetian separtists were shelling the Georgians. Pavel Felgengauer wrote in Novaya Gazeta that the plan was for the “Ossetians to intentionally provoke the Georgians” so that “any response, harsh or soft, would be used as an occasion for the attack”. End of story. --UA Victory (talk) 16:29, 17 June 2014 (UTC)

To say that Crimea is part of Ukraine is comparable to say the Falklands (Malvinas) are part of Argentina.

To say that the situation in the Crimea is comparable to the the Falkland islands is not accurate. For the Falklands this is the question of an outside power (Argentina) claiming to own the islands even if the majority of it's inhabitants want to stay with the U.K. In the Crimea however this isn't a question of whether or not Russia invaded the Ukraine but a question of whether or not the referendum is real and that they are part of Russia. The idea of de jure or de facto is what's at stake here. Either Crimea is de jure part of the Ukraine or de facto part of Russia. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 184.66.129.232 (talk) 22:47, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

How is it different? Both are questions of an outside power (Argentina/Ukraine) claiming an area where the majority of the inhabitants want to be with another country (UK/Russia). There is no difference.

The difference is that Argentina simply has a claim on the Islands. The U.K. have owned the Falklands for a very long time. In the Falklands war it was Argentina vs The U.K. but here there's no war, only a referendum. — Preceding unsigned comment added by BananaBandito (talk • contribs) 01:15, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

How is it any less real then the referendum in the Falklands where the vote was 96.5% in favor? Or how about Kosovo? Or how about the laws currently being passed in Kiev? There is no difference, they all occur under armed occupation.

People seem to willing to forget that the current Parliament in Kiev usurped power from the legitimate President through use of force, in violation of the Constitution of Ukraine. There is no legitimate government in Ukraine.

The Republic of Crimea has officially announced it's independence and secession from Ukraine. Therefore it is an independent country and can not be included on maps as part of Ukraine. Norum 02:28, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

Since Ukraine, the UN, the EU, the US, and just about every other nation on the planet doesn't recognize the secession, the maps are still correct. JOJ 02:38, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

The maps should be altered as per places like Georgia and China etc. To do otherwise would be inconsistent and smack of politics. Frenchmalawi (talk) 03:23, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

It doesn't much matter if it's recognized. Misplaced Pages is about facts, not countries' positions on things. It's movement from Ukraine to Crimea the same as moving about within Ukraine, or is it not? I think not; thus Crimea at the very least cannot be considered an integral part of Ukraine any longer. --99.24.170.188 (talk) 21:11, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

What you or I think is irrelevant; Misplaced Pages is creating a Encyclopaedia based on reliable, published sources. — Yulia Romero • Talk to me! 23:02, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

Misplaced Pages is about facts attributable to a reliable, published source; if they do not agree with your idea of what is a fact then we can not use that ""fact".... Let's wait how reliable, published sources claim the status of Crimea is in a couple of months. To start changing maps now looks very WP:CRYSTALBALL to me. — Yulia Romero • Talk to me! 23:00, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

Yulia Romero is correct. Being reactionary based on a fluid situation that is only a month old and certainly not settled law in the international mind is not encyclopedic. Better to wait until the dust clears and some sort of actual de facto situation emerges than to jump the gun. Editing the maps at this point in time can actually be considered a violation of WP:NPOV as only Russia and Russian sympathizers consider this to be a done-deal. --Taivo (talk) 08:04, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

I'm in agreement with Yulia Romero and Taivo. Assuming that it is a done deal is actually antithetical to Misplaced Pages's policies and guidelines. Our position is to be behind the ball, not kicking it. Aside from the fact that we don't know where to from here, I've yet to find secondary sources in agreement as to what the situation actually is. Any speculation is, of course, WP:OR, and the only consistency in the reading of secondary sources attests to the secondary sources being WP:POV. Choosing one set of sources over and above the others would be WP:CHERRYPICKING: and that is what would "... smack of politics." --Iryna Harpy (talk) 09:35, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

So National Geographic is not a reliable, published source? Or do we need US State Department approval? This sums it up pretty nicely: "The U.S. and other Western governments may doggedly refuse to recognize Crimea’s annexation by Russia, but one prominent American mapmaker will. “We map de facto, in other words we map the world as it is, not as people would like it to be,” Juan José Valdés, the National Geographic’s geographer and director of editorial and research for National Geographic Maps, tells U.S. News. “As you can only surmise, sometimes our maps are not received in a positive light by some individuals who want to see the world in a different light,” Valdés says." http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2014/03/18/national-geographic-plans-to-show-crimea-as-part-of-russia-on-maps

As I have already replied on Commons, because file:Europe-Ukraine.svg has been protected due to recent upload-war,‎ re-upload the older version by a different file name or simply use the untouched PNG version are the only ways to restore the map. But that would also mean bringing back the edit war from Commons to Misplaced Pages. -- Sameboat - 同舟 (talk) 09:27, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

Crimea should be shown as a disputed claimed territory in light green as prescribed by Misplaced Pages's conventions on orthographic maps, shown here: the conventions. Having it in dark green is akin to pretending that nothing has happened in Crimea for the past month. Ukraine has lost de facto control over the region but still claims it just as Serbia has lost de facto control over Kosovo but still claims it.--74.12.195.248 (talk) 17:20, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

Giving weight to the story that Crimea is disputed within the article is fine, as long as its covered by reliable sources and is neutral in nature. But changing the maps is not neutral because it is not neutral based on the fact that no outside entity has yet to recognize Crimea as being part of Russia. --JOJ 17:27, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

You mean make Crimea appear as a disputed territory within Russia correct? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.79.251.253 (talk) 17:32, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

National Geographic is a reliable source correct? Or does the US State Department have to approve it?: "The U.S. and other Western governments may doggedly refuse to recognize Crimea’s annexation by Russia, but one prominent American mapmaker will. “We map de facto, in other words we map the world as it is, not as people would like it to be,” Juan José Valdés, the National Geographic’s geographer and director of editorial and research for National Geographic Maps, tells U.S. News. “As you can only surmise, sometimes our maps are not received in a positive light by some individuals who want to see the world in a different light,” Valdés says." http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2014/03/18/national-geographic-plans-to-show-crimea-as-part-of-russia-on-maps

The article on Serbia shows an orthographic map that adheres to Misplaced Pages's orthographic standards that shows the disputed territory of Kosovo claimed by Serbia and the Republic of Kosovo in light green. This map of Serbia's depiction of disputed territory in light green should be what is used in the case of Ukraine.--74.12.195.248 (talk) 21:35, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

173.79.251.253 and 74.12.195.248,if you care to take a look at the Kosovo map details, you may notice that the original map wasn't uploaded until 14 June 2009. Every article pertaining to changes in political situations is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. It actually flies in the face of Misplaced Pages's policies and guidelines to charge forward when secondary resources are still hammering it out themselves. More to the point, this specific article is not dedicated to current affairs. If you want to debate what should be done, go to the appropriate articles specifically dedicated to the current affair and put your 2 cents worth in the talk page there. As has already been pointed out to you, WP:CRYSTALBALL applies, as does WP:OR.

Why is it crystal ball or OR? Crimea is currently under de facto Russian control and there is a sovereignty dispute between Ukraine and Russia over Crimea following the referendum, multiple sources can attest to that.--74.12.195.248 (talk) 23:50, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

74.12.195.248 173.79.251.253, EDIT --Iryna Harpy (talk) 23:30, 21 March 2014 (UTC) the fact that you are invoking National Geographic in the context of a news blog defining NG's proposed depiction of the map next month to be controversial fairly much sums up the ludicrous nature of your push for new maps. Even more indicting is the fact that the blog refers to the short-lived 'unveiling' of the new Russian map on Misplaced Pages on Tuesday (before it was put under wraps again). We are under no obligation to change content other than in a timely fashion, and certainly not in an uncertain and controversial fashion. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 23:09, 19 March 2014 (UTC)

I didn't put in the material on National Geographic, that is by some user who is not signing their posts. It makes it look like it is part of a longer post. I sigh my posts.--74.12.195.248 (talk) 23:47, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Cheers for pulling me up on my error, 74.12.195.248. I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies on this matter. In checking the history, I've ascertained that it was IP 173.79.251.253 who had referenced National Geographic. It was very difficult to keep track of the threads on this talk page due to 173.79.251.253's constant and numerous re-tweaks of every comment they'd made, and his/her failure to sign any of them. I did leave a courtesy comment on their talk page the previous day asking that they follow talk page protocols regarding this matter, but this user has continued to re-tweak (particularly inappropriate when someone else has already responded to the comment!) and fail to sign. Cheers! --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:05, 22 March 2014 (UTC)

The ad hominems do not suit you. I cite that article as a source for the quote from National Geographic's Jose Valdes. Attacking any other aspect of the article is a red herring. Do you dispute the quote? Do you dispute the authority of National Geographic in the realm of Cartography? My argument is simple, I will quote Jose Valdes again: “We map de facto, in other words we map the world as it is, not as people would like it to be." What is ludicrous about that? I am not taking the position that Crimea should be depicted as part of Russia... I take the position that all political maps on Misplaced Pages should reflect political reality. The Falklands are de facto part of the UK, the Kuril Islands are de facto part of Russia, the Paracels are de facto part of China, and Crimea is de facto part of Russia. These are realities and, I argue, Misplaced Pages should reflect the facts. Any talk about 'too soon' or 'case-by-case basis' is just equivocation and excuses in order to avoid dealing with facts. Either Crimea is de facto part of Russia or it is not. Either Misplaced Pages reflects facts or it does not. If Crimea is de facto part of Russia and Misplaced Pages reflects facts then the map should be updated.173.79.251.253 (talk) 00:41, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Re this statement: "But changing the maps is not neutral because it is not neutral based on the fact that no outside entity has yet to recognize Crimea as being part of Russia." Hold on. Transnistria isn't recognised by any one but still gets shadded differently on the map of Moldova. Frenchmalawi (talk) 00:52, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Frenchmalawi, please take some time out to read the Moldova talk page (and archives). This is still an area of dispute and, if you take a look at all other articles which could potentially contain maps depicting Transnistria, you'll find they aren't used because Transnistria is not recognised as anything other than a breakaway region. There are POV pushers who keep trying to reintroduce it... but it doesn't fly. This decision was made by means of community consensus. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:09, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Community Consensus is abused by Misplaced Pages editors to shut down dissent. Transnistria is, de facto, independent of Moldova. Moldova exercises no authority over Transnistria. No community consensus will change that fact. Only tanks will change that fact. Until then, Trannistria is, de facto, independent of Moldova. I do not see anyone disputed the de facto state, only coming up with de jure arguments about which countries 'officially' recognizes the de facto state. Misplaced Pages should reflect FACTS not the position of the US STATE DEPARTMENT. Misplaced Pages editors abuse the community consensus to shut down minority dissent. Please explain how it is "POV" to say that Transnistria is independent when, de facto, they are? How does a community consensus magically change this fact into "POV"? 173.79.251.253 (talk) 01:31, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Iryna Harp - You acknowledge that on the Moldova map, Transnistria is shaded differently. You haven't given any reason why Crimea should be treated differently. Would you like to offer reasons? How is Crimea on the Ukrain map any different to Abkhazia on Georgia map, Taiwan on China map etc. etc. Reasons would be great and happy to consider. Frenchmalawi (talk) 02:37, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Frenchmalawi, as with all the other 'Aha!' moments citing maps of controversial states depicted in some areas of Misplaced Pages, please take a look at the date when the map depicting Transnistria was uploaded - being December 25, 2009. Take a look at the dates for the Kosovo map, South Ossetia or any other you might want to pull out of a hat for me to deliberate over and 'explain' the existence of to you: they were created and used long, long, long, long after the relevant events and ongoing issues, whereas not even a week has elapsed since this 'event' and you're demanding that a current map be made before we've had more than a whiff of the political fallout and complexities of the issue/s have really even begun?

Iryna Harpy...how long it took to take a decision on other articles is hardly a persuasive reason. Some issues are not complicated. Russian now claims Crimea as part of its territory. And so does Ukraine....You don't seem to have any good reasons for your stance. Let's just be consistent and take the same approach on all articles. Either that or follow some objective stance like a UN map...but Misplaced Pages does not do that. For better or worse. Frenchmalawi (talk) 23:28, 21 March 2014 (UTC)

Frenchmalawi, while I can appreciate that you may yearn for consistency, decisions regarding mapping and every other subject tackled in English Misplaced Pages is made on a case-by-case basis, and in accordance with Misplaced Pages policies and guidelines. We cannot take our cue from UN maps or any single source as some form of Misplaced Pages bible. That is not in the spirit of Misplaced Pages's objectives and how the Misplaced Pages's community works.

In as much as is humanly possible, I cannot, and do not, approach any subject being disputed with a POV agenda, and constantly self-scrutinise (fully prepared to change my position) should I consider that I could be allowing my my pride, arrogance or subjectivity to interfere. As per our discussion on my talk page, I am changing my 'oppose' position to 'undecided' in the RfC. I will further elaborate on why I am temporarily withholding in that section. Cheers! --Iryna Harpy (talk) 03:01, 22 March 2014 (UTC)

If it is your intent to quiz me at length about the details, I would like to know what your interest is. A little transparency would be appreciated. I'm having difficulties understanding how neutral contributors aren't still scratching their heads about how the world community is going to interpret the situation. Also, if you haven't looked at it already, perhaps you should take a look at these articles - 2014 Crimean crisis and 2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine, both of which are using a map which reflects the ongoing events. There is yet another article, 2014 pro-Russian protests in Ukraine using a different map. These are the articles dealing with current affairs. This article is not a current affairs article. Creating such a map is speculative in this context (read as WP:OR). I don't know how many more times I need to point this out to those who are preaching 'facts'. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 04:06, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

You keep trying to equivocate. The length of time after an event is irrelevant. The even itself is relevant. Crimea has become, de facto, part of Russia. You can disagree with that fact only. The length of time is irrelevant, it is a red herring, it is equivocation. Do you dispute the fact or not? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.79.251.253 (talk) 16:35, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Iryna, seems like you are just opposing with a lack of neutrality in this matter. The article says front and centre: 'This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses.' Please apply the neutrality that you are making your arguments with. Transnistria happened in 1990, I'd be surprised if there's a wiki upload at that time. People come to Misplaced Pages for real-time information. It's the reason it's superior than traditional book and paper. Ukraine has already declared to pull their men out. Nothing is going to change the fact it's disputed. If you think that in the next month Putin is going to say 'Ha guys, jokes! We didn't want Crimea! Early April Fool's' and hand Crimea back and denouncing any claims, you are out of touch with reality. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.207.78.4 (talk) 13:05, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

I agree with Iryna, Ukraine is not a current event and the temporary tag doesn't make the entire country a current event. In fact, on the news where I live, this non-event is not even being reported. In addition, The Washington Post disputes that National Geographic is a credible source for maps and praises Misplaced Pages editors instead for being accurate and timely. Let's live up to their expectations please by not being petty and biased. USchick (talk) 17:13, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

The fact that your local news not reporting the event is the definition of 'current event'. Further, I am not arguing whether National Geographic is a credible source for maps, but the fact that the region is in fact 'in dispute' and therefore needs to be updated as such. How in the world is it being 'biased' by saying that the region is disputed? We are not asking the map changed to reflect Ukraine losing the region, but to have the region shaded to reflect its disputed status as per wikipedia standards. Washington Post also cannot be credited as 'neutral' source, either. Would like to add...did you even read the article? Further down in the article it even pointed out that the Ukraine page has neglected to add that disputed status to its map. Courtesy of people here. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.207.78.4 (talk) 18:07, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Courtesy of consensus. Which you don't have to change the maps. USchick (talk) 18:21, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

I can see you have been busy, USchick, even featured on Washington Post. What consensus? Didn't realize Misplaced Pages is actually ran by an oligarchy. How about try consistency for a measure of good publishing practice? The Russian map has listed Crimea as disputed, which is a fact unless you are giving me references to articles that say otherwise. The amount of bias on here is sickening. Are people that close-minded to even admit that Crimea is disputed? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.207.78.4 (talk) 18:27, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Policy: Misplaced Pages:Consensus USchick (talk) 18:30, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

You didn't answer me on citing a source that says otherwise that the region is not disputed. But nevermind that, one look at your profile tells me everything I need to know. Just a heads up, many of the other language pages have shuffled to the new map showing the disputed status. It's time that English one do the same.

The sources say that Crimea was invaded, even Russian sources call it an invasion . I would support a map showing Russian invasion. USchick (talk) 18:46, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Invasion=disputed. I hope you understand that fact. Ukraine claims the area since it is de jure theirs, Russia claims the area because de facto DUE TO THE INVASION. Dual claims = disputed. They cannot agree on who owns the area = disputed. Disputed claims on wikipedia is shaded light green. Thank you for clarifying and finding references for my point. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.207.78.4 (talk) 19:07, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Cyprus as a more concrete example on wikipedia of what I am referring to. 'The Republic of Cyprus has de jure sovereignty over the island of Cyprus and its surrounding waters, except for the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, administered as Sovereign Base Areas. However, the Republic of Cyprus is de facto partitioned into two main parts; the area under the effective control of the Republic, comprising about 59% of the island's area, and the Turkish-controlled area in the north, calling itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and recognised only by Turkey, covering about 36% of the island's area. The international community considers the northern part of the island as territory of the Republic of Cyprus occupied by Turkish forces.' Exact same situation here with only Russia recognizing Crimea as theirs. Note the map shade. There are already other examples people have brought up previously. Let's try to report this with less of our personal bias, please. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.207.78.4 (talk) 19:14, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Just because you have a point, doesn't mean you have consensus. nice try though. USchick (talk) 19:24, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

You have an opinion: That the Ukrainian map should reflect the de jure situation (Crimea is part of Ukraine per the US State Department). I have an opinion: That the map should reflect the de facto situation (Crimea is de facto part of Russia). The difference is that I am arguing for my case with facts. You are demanding consensus but the only consensus you'll accept is recognition by the US State Department. This is a talk page... noone needs your permission to make a point or have a discussion on the merits.173.79.251.253 (talk) 19:51, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Alright. Like it or not, the Russian parliament has voted to annex Crimea. Crimea is now de facto under the control of the Russian Federation. Therefore, I am one to believe that Crimea should now be shaded light green, since the Russian sovereignty of Crimea is disputed by Ukraine, and light green is the color of disputed land. If you don't believe me, look at the pages for India, Serbia, Cyprus, any nation with disputed territory. You'll see what I mean. -A Misplaced Pages User

Sources state that the international community considers the occupation of Crimea to be illegal. If its considered illegal, then the map should not be changed. If an armed intruder came into your house and took over your bathroom and refused to leave, we wouldn't consider the bathroom to be his now would we? When the sources change to confirm that Crimea's status has been legally transfered to Russia, then we can change the maps. The simple fact that Russia is in military control of Crimea does not mean that the international community has accepted the legality of that control.--JOJ 20:31, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

The acceptance of the US State Department is irrelevant. If the 'international community' refuses to accept that the Earth orbits the Sun does that make the fact any less true? The approval or acceptance of the international community does not change the fact that Crimea is, currently, a de facto part of Russia. Official recognition from the US State Department is a biased standard. 173.79.251.253 (talk) 20:53, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

JOjhutton, I will again refer you to the page of Cyprus. No one in the international community except Turkey has recognized the occupation. And yet the fact remains that it is a disputed territory. Therefore it should be coloured light green, as per wikipedia convention. Referring to your bathroom argument: if the intruder is in your house, it's illegal occupation, to be sure. But until you call the cops and have the force to kick him out, you have the bathroom DE JURE, he has the bathroom DE FACTO. Therefore you are in dispute of the bathroom until it is resolved one way or another.205.207.78.4 (talk) 21:00, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Since unregistered users like to argue and claim they don't need consensus to do anything, why haven't you done it already? When the English speaking Misplaced Pages community determines it's time to change the maps, you will see new maps in the articles. I promise. USchick (talk) 21:35, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Ad hominem! Registering with Misplaced Pages does not make you an authority. You are contributing nothing to this discussion; you are just trolling/flaming in order to derail the conversation. Your goal is not to contribute, but to disrupt. I see that you are Ukrainian from your talk page. I do not attack you for this bias because it does not make your opinion less valid. However, your continued disruption of this thread with insults and flippant responses does speak to the validity of your argument (or lack thereof). 173.79.251.253 (talk) 21:43, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Gezundheit. USchick (talk) 21:54, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

JOJhutton, please present your argument for Crimea not being a disputed territory before edit war. I don't see a relevant discussion here provided by you explaining why Crimea is not consider 'disputed'. Your argument that Russia has illegally taken the territory does not refute the fact it is disputed. The map being uploaded does not reflect Russia annexation as you are trying to argue here.JNC2 (talk) 22:16, 20 March 2014 (UTC) I will happily remind you of the map colour policy if it need be. Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Maps/Conventions/Orthographic maps. Others have explained why the area is considered disputed. Cyprus is provided as an example as to why the same convention applies despite the invasion and 'illegality' of Russian action and the lack of international recognition (For that matter, Northern Cyprus is recognized by 1 nation and Crimea is recognized by 4). You have asked me to explain in discussion and so I have. Pages from other major languages (Japanese, Spanish, Chinese to name a few) have already done the same to provide consistency. Care to explain yourself?JNC2 (talk) 22:31, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Uninvolved editor here. Recent edits by JNC2 seem to be constructive and NPOV. Crimea is a disputed territory and denoting such in the map would be useful. EvergreenFir (talk) 22:41, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

You need to seriously self revert. There is no consensus for this map and your edits violate WP:NPOV I WILL make a report to ANI if you don't self revert immediately. Just because you were previously uninvolved is no reason for you to start reverting editors simply because you think it was constructive. This conversation is very long and is still ongoing. Your edit is deemed very contentious.--JOJ 22:54, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

JOJhutton, please stick to the argument rather than attacking the person. What are you referring to here in your accusation of WP:NPOV? I dare say that the majority on here is starting to lean towards the territory being disputed and you have not suggested any source that claims otherwise. As USchick pointed out earlier, I believe this is the process towards consensus.JNC2 (talk) 23:03, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Oh trust me, you'll be part of the ANI thread too. Your edits violate WP:BRD and WP:DISPUTE. You do not continue making reverts after you have been reverted. This article is about the country Ukraine. To call the are disputed, when the entire international commmunity doesn't see it that way, is a violation of WP:NPOV. Only Russia disputes the region, everyone else considers it still part of Ukraine. Its violates WP:WEIGHT to give so much weight to the map.--JOJ 23:09, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Noone has presented an argument that does not acknowledge the occupation of Crimea by Russia as a fact. Your own argument concedes it... you say that the occupation is disputed... therefore conceding that there is an occupation. The legality may be disputed but the fact of the occupation is not. There is consensus that Crimea is, de facto, occupied by Russia. I have not seen one person in this thread, not one, argue that this Crimea is not under the jurisdiction of Russia.173.79.251.253 (talk) 23:15, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Who is not acknowledging the fact that Crimea is occupied by Russia. Not me. But since the EU, US, NATO, and 13 members of the UN security council "consider this occupation to be illegal", not to mention Ukraine, its a violation of WP:NPOV to give the occupation this much weight. The map should not be shaded because nobody recognizes that this regain is anything but Ukrainian, except the occupying force.--JOJ 23:18, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

You call on WP:BRD, and yet you have not provided any sort of constructive comments here to support the fact it's 'not disputed'. Yourself violate WP:NPOV when you have only provided your own opinion and nothing substantial to back it up. 'Only Russia disputes the region' - You can't be serious. You have just provided the argument that the region is disputed. It doesn't take the entire world to dispute a region. If Ukraine doesn't dispute it then they wouldn't be denouncing Russian claims.

IrynaHarpy, before you start reverting people's changes and claiming you have been on here, provide your own argument that the region is not disputed or that this particular page should not adhere to Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Maps/Conventions/Orthographic maps.JNC2 (talk) 23:24, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Can we have a page protect from the admin? There is a few individuals on here who are just being argumentative and not informed about the meaning of the term 'dispute' or bother to look at examples people have presented as arguments. The arguments on here are becoming tunnel visioned with lack of any source to back their claims. UN considers occupation illegal does not refute the fact it is a dispute and if anything, backs it up.JNC2 (talk) 23:30, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Sigh. I think you need a long block for disruption and as a special purpose account. You are obviously unfamiliar with Wikipedias editing process and dispute resolution. You continue to dismiss any opinion that doesn't agree with you and start reading the guidelines and policies that the more experienced and knowledgeable editors. Your problem is that you think you know more than people who have been doing this for a very long time. --JOJ 23:37, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

EvergreenFir, you reverted my reversion to the 'new' map invoking WP:3O and noted that 'it seems useful' (AKA WP:ITSINTERESTING) in your edit summary. You also told me to go to the talk page. Considering that I have been 'going to the talk page' for the last couple of days, and you have made one comment as a 'neutral' editor, I would not consider that it falls on your shoulders to make an executive decision as did JNC2 who was edit warring on the article without following WP:BRD and has only just showed up because of pressure put on him/her on their talk page (which I was about to leave a missive on).

Considering that it doesn't appear that there is going to be consensus on this page, and that it has escalated to edit warring, I think the only rational thing to do is to call for an WP:RfC where genuinely uninvolved parties can voice their opinion. This isn't a small detail to be decided between a few contributors and their dogs. This isn't even the current affairs pages which are dealing with the current affairs (please look at the SEE ALSO list in the corresponding article).

I'm going to replace the 'current affairs' tag with a hatnote pointing readers to the actual current affairs pages. At the moment, this article doesn't seem to know what it's trying to deal with and is suffering multiple personality disorder... which is confusing and unedifying for readers. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 23:32, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Iryna, discuss the point, not to attack the people please. I came here first before the admin left the msg on the talk page after one undo by JOJ. I would like to remind both of you that you have not backed the claim that the said region is not in dispute and/or should not follow Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Maps/Conventions/Orthographic maps as other language pages have started to. If anything I am starting to question your WP:NPOV. Please, leave me a missive that you were about to and let me know how I am wrong in this matter. I do agree on WP:RfC although I argue that the lack of concensus, as others have pointed out, is coming from lack of WP:NPOV that certain individuals have been unable to remove from their own personal bias. I have provided a comprehensive explanation with examples from other articles as to why the edit should be made. The only one I see from you is the 'lack of time stamp'. Welcome to the modern age, where Encyclopedia does not require 4 year between revisions.JNC2 (talk) 23:39, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

@Jojhutton: DISENGAGE. Don't make threats and assume good faith. You are taking this way too far.

@Iryna Harpy: Useful is a lot different than interesting. I am an uninvolved editor here, only editing for article review. A RfC would be great and I'll be happy to comment on it. EvergreenFir (talk) 23:44, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Stop equivocating. The fact that the occupation is recent does not change the fact that the occupation exists. The area is disputed. You have not disagreed... you're just equivocating.

Should be the map that shows the really existing disputed situation! The territory of Crimea on the map should be marked/painted by separate different color - different from the color of the domestic territory of Ukraine! Such practices already exists on Wiki for similar disputed territorial situations! Ignoring of the fact (that there was detach of Crimean Peninsula territory from the main territory of Ukraine, that Crimea was transfer/taken under full control of Russia and that was created the territorial dispute between Russia and Ukraine) - is wrong and and foolishly! Wiki - Encyclopedia of current and confirmed facts occurring in / up to this moment and not arena of political disputes! --109.67.134.154 (talk) 22:33, 27 March 2014 (UTC)

Dispute resolution process needs to be done on the issue of the maps of Russia and Ukraine

It is obvious that this issue is not going to be easily discussed between users, especially users who have a connection with the issues at hand. I suggest that a dispute resolution process begin with addressing the issue of the maps to administrators who would examining the arguments for what should be in the map, and then they would arbitrate a resolution.--74.12.195.248 (talk) 23:42, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

I have created a section below for an RfC. Tagging FYI: Iryna Harpy and Jojhutton EvergreenFir (talk) 23:55, 20 March 2014 (UTC)

Geographic location template

I don't believe it's necessary to include Russia as bordering Ukraine to the south in the "geographic location template" at the bottom of the page. That would be in breach of NPOV, since Ukraine (and most of the international community) regards the Crimean peninsula as it's territory, while Russia does not. It would be neutral to remove the mention that Russia borders Ukraine on the south, period. I see some reverts floating around, let's discuss this before proceeding with the new addition to the template. § DDima 23:27, 30 March 2014 (UTC)

I would actually consider it to be redundant, full stop. If the Black Sea (which is not within the boundaries of any one country) is seen as a demarcation of a border, and the geographic location template only notes north, south, east and west, then the south is all the territory along the Black Sea. That being the case, it also borders with Romania along the Black Sea, therefore both the Romanian and Russian flags need to be added. So far, the introduction of the Russian flag has been used as a POV statement rather than as a useful and neutral depiction. The intent of these templates is to inform readers as to location and borders, not to use them as political platforms. Why introduce something unnecessary to inform anyone? --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:04, 31 March 2014 (UTC)

Turkey as a 'border'?

As Turkey doesn't physically border with Ukraine on terra firma, but is part of a trans-sea co-operative, is it relevant for the purposes of the geographic location template to add Turkey as a bordering country in the south? It strikes me as being unintuitive to depict Ukraine as if it were landlocked. By the same logic, Romania borders with Russia and Georgia (and visa versa). I've reverted this addition of Turkey on the understanding that the Black Sea is used as the standard for all of the countries located around it at the end of that country's territory in whichever direction it is to be found. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 23:21, 4 May 2014 (UTC)

Might as well say that the US borders China, Vanuatu, South Africa, and the Antarctic. Or even Ukraine. --Taivo (talk) 07:49, 5 May 2014 (UTC)

Just trying to keep overenthusiastic contributors at bay (no apologies for the bad pun). --Iryna Harpy (talk) 09:18, 5 May 2014 (UTC)

Issue with Map

Using the light green color for Crimea seems somewhat misleading and inconsistent. The China map uses the same light green color for Taiwan, even though the situations are not similar at all: China has no control over Taiwan and the people don't want to join China. Russia has total control over Crimea with the approval of its people. In reality Crimea is not a contested territory, except in the minds of politicians. I think Crimea should be labeled as fully part of Russia on the Russia page, and marked with some other color on the Ukraine page that represents territorial claims without control. This should be the same color used for Taiwan on the china page. A different color should be used to mark contested territories (where multiple parties have actual influence over, say if Crimea was controlled by Russia, but its people were not happy with the Russians and were protesting/rebelling). — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.102.164.176 (talk) 04:12, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

We just had a lengthy Request for Comment (see #Request for Comment above) about the map and the consensus was to have Crimea in light green as a disputed territory. Misplaced Pages has not specific policy regarding maps an disputed territories. Just because it's done one way on China does not mean it must be done here. EvergreenFir (talk) 04:26, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

Also, let's not forget that only six UN member state recognise the annexation. 147.143.42.19 (talk) 13:57, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

Actually, situation is similar in some aspects: China has no control over Taiwan and people don't want to be in China just like Ukraine has no control over Crimea and people don't want be in Ukraine. Only difference is that people of Taiwan choose to form an independent state while people of Crimea choose to join the Russian Federation. Feon {/_c} 14:34, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

I made a mistake. I have no problem using the light green for Crimea on Ukraine's page just like the light green on China's page. The problem I have is with the light green on Russia's page, Russia's relationship with Crimea is nothing the Ukraine's or China's with Taiwan. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.102.164.176 (talk • contribs)

Actually, Feon, you are oversimplifying the situation. The 'referendum' was held after a military takeover (widely criticised), and the referendum has been widely criticised for the lack of options. A large percentage of the global community don't agree with your evaluation of the situation, and it is Misplaced Pages's position to be WP:NPOV in reflecting what verifiable, reliable secondary sources have to say on the matter. As per EvergreenFir's suggestion, please check talk pages (particularly when weighing in on high traffic and controversial articles) for the history of discussions and consensus. Thank you. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 21:06, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

Iryna Harpy, you seem to be completely missing the point and sparked unnecessary political discussion which has no place here. Political details you mentioned (e.g. opinion of international community) are completely irrelevant to this map issue. Only thing that matters is that Crimea is disputed territory and should be shown in the map as such, which it currently is. Feon {/_c} 09:51, 2 April 2014 (UTC)

Ukraine has no current administrative control over Crimea because the Russians invaded that part if Ukraine. Ukraine and just about most of the world, minus the crazy countries, still consider Crimea to be part of Ukraine. The fact that a good number of people in Crimea wanted to join Russia should be irrelevant. It's the same situation as in 1938 when Germany sent troops into the Sudetenland. A good part of the people supported it and unlike Putin, Hitler at least asked for permission first before sending in troops. If Mexico sent troops to Los Angeles because most people in the city are ethnic Mexican, would the area now be considered Mexico or even considered disputed? No it would not. The same holds true here. JOJ 21:23, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

Well, JOJ, your analogy is reasonable as a response to user Feon and the IP suggesting that it is was the 'democratic' choice by the people of Crimea, and whose next suggestion will be pushing for the map as being non-contested 'it's Russia now because the people wanted it' for both this article and the corresponding Russia article. That suggestion has already been dismissed as a non-starter per the RfC. I would, however, suggest that you retract, "... minus the crazy countries ..." POV condemnation is inappropriate and provocative. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 22:20, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

I'm sick of all this nonsense about a Russian "invasion" and/or "occupation" of Crimea. What utter nonsense! I'm not sure what troops you believe Putin sent into Crimea; Russian troops have been in Crimea since the days of Catherine the Great centuries ago, and they have always had a very close relationship with their Crimean counterparts. All of a sudden their presence is an invasion? That's nothing more than western propaganda. The constitution of Ukraine became null and void the second the violent coup overthrew the elected government in Kiev. The Crimean referendum was legal and democratic; the people of Crimea have every right to self-determination and they freely chose to rejoin the Russian federation! Calling this an invasion is just careless and misleading. What editor JOJ refers to as "a good number of people" in Crimea who supported a move back to the Russian federation was damn near unanimous, at 96.77% with record breaking voter turnout. To say that this is "irrelevant" is saying that you do not support the democratic process. Perhaps you also support the neo-Fascist coup that recently took place in Kiev and triggered this whole mess? 173.212.80.159 (talk) 22:32, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

Please stop these political analyses because you're violating our WP:NOTFORUM policy. -- Sameboat - 同舟 (talk) 23:03, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

This is why reliable sources need to be used when representing maps. That would solve this entire problem of people pushing their opinions. However, even though no such sources exist, we keep hearing that such sources may appear one day, so in the meantime, people do whatever they imagine simply because there's consensus to create a brand new map, not recognized by anyone anywhere. Why even have policies in place if the policy is going to be ignored? USchick (talk) 02:43, 2 April 2014 (UTC)

Unfortunately you are right. Why have guidelines and policies when a simple majority can override them. NPOV and OR are core content policies, but what has happened here is that the "knee jerk" reactionists used a "majority rules" argument to override two core content policies. And for the record, Google Earth still considers Crimea as part of Ukraine. Same with Apple Maps. JOJ 03:08, 2 April 2014 (UTC)

Which means that if someone wants to hire X number of paid editors, they can easily skew an article, since there's no policy in place anyway, and everything is negotiable. It's amazing to me how on a discussion page, any real discussion is suppressed for some reason as "inappropriate and provocative" when the discussion is about policy. The people arguing against policy are talking in circles about how "we should all just get along." Great! Let's use real sources, and let's say exactly what the sources say, and then I'm sure we can all get along just fine. Can we please start moving in that direction? USchick (talk) 03:28, 2 April 2014 (UTC)

Reminder: Please do not use article talk pages to discuss anything but improving the article. So far, I see name calling, political opinions, and griping. EvergreenFir (talk) 04:33, 2 April 2014 (UTC)

I agree. Crimea and Taiwan are similarly disputed territories, because in both cases countries that claim it (Ukraine and China respectively) have no control over it, so it only makes most sense to mark them on maps the same way, which is the way it is now, so there is no need to change it. It seems that some editors would like Crimea to be completely included in Ukraine on the maps (dark green on this map), while others would like it to be completely included in Russia on the maps (gray on this map), but either of those options would violate NPOV.

Current map (showing Crimea as disputed territory) is the most neutral. Feon {/_c} 09:51, 2 April 2014 (UTC)

This is true, but the on the map of Russia, Crimea should be marked differently. Russia has actual control of Crimea, while Ukraine just has a claim (just like China has only a claim over Taiwan). — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.102.164.176 (talk • contribs)

Those are irrelevant details for this map issue. It only matters is what is disputed territory and what is undisputed territory. Crimea is a disputed territory, so that's why it is marked as such on both maps. Feon {/_c} 07:27, 3 April 2014 (UTC)

The problem with this is that disputed can mean different things. In this case, Ukraine has nothing but a claim over Crimea. In the map caption the lack of control should be noted. Previously this lack of control was mentioned, but someone removed it. On the Russia page it mention that Russia has control of Crimea.74.102.164.176 (talk) 00:13, 5 April 2014 (UTC)

I am the one who removed it from this page. 'Disputed territory' is a recognised legal term. 'Disputed, uncontrolled territory' is not a legal term. A person may have an uncontrolled fit of indignation over a term they thought ought to be used not being used. The fact that it is used on the Pakistan and India articles merely means that it is being used incorrectly and should be fixed, or that the circumstances are different as there is no use of de facto or de jure. Uncontrolled, in terms of territory, means that there is no formal (or reasonably enforceable) form of governance, and the territory suffers from lawlessness as a result. For your edification, you will be disappointed to find that I have also removed 'controlled' from the Russia infobox. De facto covers the control issue, thereby rendering the use of 'controlled' as redundant (commonly known as tautological). Note, also, that we don't make up legal qualifiers as we go along because that it WP:OR. Until I've heard back from some genuine lawyers, we don't entertain qualifiers like de jure. De facto is appropriate for the Russia article, but any other qualifiers for the Ukraine article are, for the moment, speculative (or WP:OR). --Iryna Harpy (talk) 04:11, 5 April 2014 (UTC)

2nd Issue with Map (Donetsk and Lugansk)

Would it be time to update the locator map and mark the Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic with the same light green color as Crimea? -- Petri Krohn (talk) 01:06, 15 May 2014 (UTC)

Please just fork a new image, don't overwrite the existing one. But I'm against such map being used in either Ukraine or Russia articles because neither country acknowledges their independency (yet).-- Sameboat - 同舟 (talk) 01:21, 15 May 2014 (UTC)

I agree with Sameboat here. EvergreenFir (talk) 02:30, 15 May 2014 (UTC)

Are we making up maps again? Just planning at this point? sigh.... USchick (talk) 05:06, 15 May 2014 (UTC)

After the declaration of independence of Donetsk and Lugansk (and their effective control) their territories should be light coloured as well, as the government of Ukraine does not De Facto control them anymore, it does not matter if Russia recognizes them or not: They have declared their independence, and are controlled by themselves. Good examples on how this issues are tackled in Misplaced Pages are the country maps of Moldova, which clearly shows Transnistria (which is not recognized) http://en.wikipedia.org/File:Location_Moldova_Europe.png in light green, another example is http://en.wikipedia.org/File:Azerbaijan_with_Nagorno_Karabakh_region.svg which is used to show Azerbaijan including in light green the unrecognized independent state of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.79.11.12 (talk) 07:19, 17 May 2014 (UTC)

Transnistria isn't officially recognised as being independent. They're welcome to print as much of their own currency as they wish, but Transnistria only appears in Misplaced Pages as notable, not recognised: there's a huge difference. Donetsk and Lugansk have neither been granted independence by Ukraine or international bodies, nor has any other sovereign state adopted the regions as de jure or de facto. I'm in agreement with Sameboat and EvergreenFir (plus USchick in as far as, until there is any form of recognition beyond a state of chaos, they're a fiction). Please provide proof that they have economic backing and have succeeded in surviving a period of time as 'independent economies'. Fast track as this rate by a few months and we'll have seriously failed states. I could declare my toilet as being part of Alaska or not part of Australia: declarations and reality only merge if they're officially supported and financially backed.

For the benefit of Petri Krohn and 217.79.11.12, I could suggest the American Revolutionary War or the French Revolution as examples of the difference between notional and actual. For the sake of brevity, I'd suggest reading the Eureka Rebellion. Better still, even if unsourced, please see the Misplaced Pages article for War of independence and take a look at the final criteria to be met. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 03:43, 18 May 2014 (UTC)

@Iryna Harpy: it sounds like you are opposing to the proposed map change based on your own opinions of the self-claimed Donetsk and Lugansk republics.

1. It's not a matter of whether they have financial backing, and it's certainly not a matter of whether you consider them viable states or not. Misplaced Pages does not care about any of our opinions or preferences (WP:NPOV); Misplaced Pages cares about verifiable facts (WP:V). All that matters is whether another government claims control of the region in question and whether that claim is being enforced in spite of what the otherwise national government wants. In the case of Donetsk and Lugansk, they are "areas outside of Ukrainian control" and therefore should be "shown in light green", just like Crimea. They may not have been incorporated into the Russian Federation like Crimea, but they have internal governments (which may or may not have Russian support, like Transnistria) which are successfully keeping the national government from exercising authority within most of the contested regions.
2. Transnistria was a very good point to have been brought up. It does indeed show Misplaced Pages precedent on the matter. Transnistria hasn't officially been recognized as independent, but it is shown in light green on Moldova's map because it is currently operating beyond the control of the national government, there. We should do the same here.

To be clear (and honest) about my own bias, I am very much opposed to the self proclaimed republics and, from my own connections to Ukraine, I don't believe they represent the majority opinion of the people they now claim to rule. But my feelings, just like yours, are irrelevant here. The fact is Ukraine currently is not in control of those areas and other authorities are. This could change next month for all we know, but until it does, we should represent how things are today. We should not intend to suppose what separatist governments will and will not succeed in the long term. —Sowlos  16:42, 2 June 2014 (UTC)

@Sowlos: ... and your sources are? If you could do me the courtesy of reading recent discussions, RfC's, etc. on this talk page, you may note that the title of this article is "Ukraine", not "Current affairs in Ukraine". See WP:RECENTISM, WP:NOTNEWS and WP:UNDUE. I think you may have the wrong article for constant updates. The current affairs have their own articles and maps per WP:NNEWS. Finally, in terms of what is appropriate for a generic article on Ukraine (history, geography, culture, et al), this is far from being cosily settled as yet (unless you have a crystal ball and know something the rest of us don't). Where are your WP:V sources demonstrating that these breakaway states are actually in existence and functioning? It certainly seems that there's a serious conflict playing out at this very moment. Please pay attention to the context of the discussion before you comment on the user rather than the content. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:05, 3 June 2014 (UTC)

Contemporary name of the Ukrainian National Anthem?

80.112.167.215 has alerted me regarding the current title of the national anthem. Being from the pre-independence Ukrainian diaspora, I always knew it as per the title in the infobox (Ще не вмерла України - Ukraine has not yet died). In checking against Ukrainian Misplaced Pages, it is certainly presented as being the entire first line of the lyrics, і Слава, і Воля".

The State Law of 2003 is no more edifying as it merely calls it the Ukrainian State Anthem and provides the now redacted lyrics (one verse followed by 2x chorus), but does not actually name it by title. Having checked a multitude of google links, I still see it coming up as "Ще не вмерла України". Even in the English language article about the anthem, the title is notably absent, i.e., it's only discussed as the State Anthem of Ukraine!

Could anyone actually in the know assist in clarifying what the official title in contemporary Ukraine actually is? --Iryna Harpy (talk) 05:39, 6 April 2014 (UTC)

The title is: Ще не вмерла Україна (with an "a" in Ukraina). The official first line to the song used since 2003 are Ще не вмерла України (with an "и" at the end). USchick (talk) 22:56, 14 April 2014 (UTC)

Yep, that was my error, USchick. I was too lazy to break out my Ukrainian keyboard and just copy-pasted the title. To qualify, I've always known it as, "Ще не вмерла Україна". Where on earth did the, "Ще не вмерла України і слава, і воля" come from? It reads as a beginners' Ukrainian exercise in 'spot the grammatical error'. Has Ukraine been turned into a plural with a singular death? What case is it supposed to be? Probably best to leave it as just the transliteration of the correct title. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 04:03, 22 April 2014 (UTC)

I imagine it's supposed to rhyme with молодії. A better question would be, who in their right mind would choose a message like that as their national anthem? Obviously not someone who understands marketing, or positive thinking, or anything that makes sense. It's nice to be in agreement with you about something. :) USchick (talk) 20:15, 24 April 2014 (UTC)

I had visions of a month-long retreat in which the idea was to decide on an alternative... except that, by 11pm on the final Sunday, the 'committee' remembered they weren't there just for the fringe benefits and (full of horilka, salo and pickled herrings), they tossed the seriously non-PC verses and, being too drunk to hold a biro, got the partially literate village idiot to write out the new and improved anthem out on a greasy serviette. ;) --Iryna Harpy (talk) 05:25, 25 April 2014 (UTC)

Russian intervention in Ukraine

This section I have repeatedly separated from the Euromaidan 2014 Revolution section. Through contemporary, these are distinct processes. The EM Revolution may be over soon, but the Russian intervention will alas extend.

At present it is certainly a "current event" topic, so this section is bound to undergo substantial changes in the future. Hopefully, the extensive material will be transferred to the "main articles", leaving the text length commensurate with the (future) historic relevance. MGTom (talk) 00:53, 20 April 2014 (UTC)

There was some editing related to the statement: Not without the aid of massive Russian propaganda with intention to balance the sides. Modification may be necessary for Eastern Ukraine, but in Crimea IMHO (I closely followed the reports) the pro-Russian (in the form of "anti fascist") propaganda was overwhelming. Please provide any proofs/indication of effective pro-Ukrainian propaganda in Crimea, and for that matter in Eastern Ukraine. I hope there will be more detailed analyses available in the future. I am sure that there will be many many books. MGTom (talk) 19:41, 20 April 2014 (UTC)

Ok, currently I'll leave it as is. "Not without aid of massive..." is, after all not "Because of massive..." etc. Bests, Seryo93 (talk) 05:41, 21 April 2014 (UTC)

MGTom, one of the main issues Seryo93, EvergreenFir, myself and others have been trying to address on this article and its sister article, Russia, is keeping the details to a neutral minimum on both articles per WP:UNDUE, WP:RECENTISM, WP:BALASPS, etc. for WP:BROADCONCEPT articles in which sections bloating up beyond the size of 800 years of history are detracting from the WP:PRIMARYTOPIC (see Talk:Russia to get an idea of how much of a struggle it's been).

I think that, unless we manage to keep both articles tightly restrained to brief consensus version, they're going to keep attracting an unmanageable amount of interest group traffic trying to use them as surrogates for the actual current affairs articles because they don't stand a look-in on those articles themselves. BRD isn't working: check the content for these sections on either article and you'll find someone stepping in and trying to rewrite them according to their POV on a regular basis. Serious contributors are getting caught out for edit warring (primarily inadvertent). At this rate, anyone trying to keep the two articles working in tandem is going to be blocked, sanctioned and prevented from touching the content. We've got two black holes here, people. Either we collaborate or we get pulped. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:07, 24 April 2014 (UTC)

I have inspected the talk page of the Russia article Talk:Russia on the recent topics (Crimea, federal subjects, maps). It is something that has to be avoided. The proposal of Iryna Harpy is good: keep the main article on Ukraine tight. In the accompanying special topic articles the blow-by-blow developments may be recorded. The actual media war, which spills over to Misplaced Pages, should also be a topic, as it is of paramount importance in the development of the conflict. I will try to contribute by transferring any excessive, but valuable material to the specialised articles, leaving here the minimum.MGTom (talk) 23:54, 25 April 2014 (UTC)

Thank you, MGTom. Noting that you are a long time and experienced Wikipedian who contributes to a wide variety of articles in many areas of Misplaced Pages (as opposed to that of a single purpose account), your assistance would be greatly appreciated. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:40, 26 April 2014 (UTC)

Reblock paragraph structure for readability. No change to text. Repair redlink. Add short update on 2014 Geneva Pact from recent Economist report. Update template status per no new Talk page additions for over 48hours. FelixRosch (talk) 15:28, 28 April 2014 (UTC)

Adding update on current status of 2014 Geneva Pact along with quote from U.S. VicePresident Biden. Also adding Url and cites for Vladimir Putin endorsement of waiting for 25 May Ukrainian elections and Putin's Notable pledge for de-escalation of military tensions on the Ukrainian border. FelixRosch (talk) 21:41, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

@FelixRosch: See #UNDUE tag in Russian intervention in Ukraine below. EvergreenFir (talk) 21:46, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

@FelixRosch: You have been asked to engage here, on the talk page, a number of times already. You've failed to engage and a consensus version appropriate to this article has been reached. Should there be any dramatic changes to the situation truly meriting changes to the text, please make your suggestions here first, rather than use this as a log page for your additions. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:37, 10 May 2014 (UTC)

Biodiversity imbalance

I'm a bit confused about the biodiversity section, which mentions only animals and fungi. What about plants? I'm also wondering if it is reasonable to say "ss17 (endemic) species (of fungi) have been tentatively identified" when the linked source says "These fungi are not necessarily endemic to Ukraine, but in the Cybertruffle database there are currently no records from any other countries." That doesn't really sound like a support of "have been tentatively identified". --Richardson mcphillips (talk) 23:22, 29 April 2014 (UTC)

Yes, I can see your point, Richardson mcphillips. If you're willing to do a little research in order to improve the section, it would be greatly appreciated. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:29, 30 April 2014 (UTC)

recognized regional languages

Where in Ukraine are Armenian and Albanian "regional" languages? --Richardson mcphillips (talk) 23:32, 29 April 2014 (UTC)

I'm not certain as to what the question is, Richardson mcphillips. Where are they referred to as being 'regional' languages? The only indication from the last census in 2001 (with the new census having been moved from 2008 to 2016 before we see any comprehensive figures on details which not addressed in previous census data) is of numbers of Armenian and Albanian peoples living in Ukraine. This doesn't automatically translate into those citizens living in specific regions/concentrated communities. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:42, 30 April 2014 (UTC)

Aha! I see what you're referring to, being the infobox. I honestly don't know where the list of 18 languages came from. I'm just going to take a look around the state laws regarding languages and see whether it is in any of the acts. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:50, 30 April 2014 (UTC)

 Fixed: per this edit. The reference had been inserted into the midst of the list. I've moved it to the top of the list and corrected it to reflect 18 regional languages - with no allusion to Albanian - as being recognised aside from Ukrainian as the state language ("The Law of Ukraine", Document 5029-17, Article 7: Regional or minority languages ​​Ukraine, Paragraph 2). As a legal document, it doesn't delve into the specifics of where each of these regions are to be found. If the exact location of Armenian is of urgent significance to you, I'd have to go through all of the appended Articles in order to find out precisely where. Even then, the legal documentation may not be available online, or may only be found at the regional sites. Is this something that can wait? --Iryna Harpy (talk) 04:27, 30 April 2014 (UTC)

thank you. Yes, no urgency. I was just wondering if Albanians and Armenians lived in particular regions of Ukraine. Minority I understand, regional not entirely. Again, thanks. --Richardson mcphillips (talk) 00:07, 2 May 2014 (UTC)

Thank you for bringing my attention to the issue. At the least, it's drawn my attention to the fact that someone slipped Albanian (which shouldn't have been there) in amongst the recognised languages. The demographic information in this article is confounding and does need a serious tidy. There are actually corresponding articles which should be linked in here and on the main demographics page.

The legislation adheres to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The nomenclature is a little confusing, but a region is approximately an oblast, however the legislation allows individual 'councils' (in Ukraine's case, approximately a raion/district, although the term it's a little more complex than that) are entitled to treat languages represented by less than 10% of that district's population as recognised languages. That said, here's the wikilink to the information you're after for the Armenian community in modern Ukraine --Iryna Harpy (talk) 04:16, 2 May 2014 (UTC)

Notice of RfC at Right Sector

RfC at Right Sector:

“Should the article say in the lead that the group (or that some of its subgroups’ members) are neofascist or neo-Nazi, without citing a minimum of 3 top-quality sources?” --Dervorguilla (talk) 05:58, 30 April 2014 (UTC)

UNDUE tag in Russian intervention in Ukraine

In response to the WP:UNDUE tag in the Russian intervention in Ukraine section by Moxy, I've trimming the section down to get the basics of the issues and removed the details which belong on pages related to the crisis. Starting this section for any dialogue about the changes. EvergreenFir (talk) 21:31, 30 April 2014 (UTC)

Thank you, EvergreenFir... and thank you Moxy for initiating the clean up. This issue has been addressed several times here, on this talk page, where it has become clear that, as a WP:BROADCONCEPT article, WP:NOTNEWS, WP:UNDUE, WP:BALASPS ad infinitum apply. Hatnotes are used per section in order to direct readers to the WP:PRIMARYTOPIC.

Having read through EvergreenFir's trim, I believe it to be a good balance of enough information delivered in a neutral, encyclopaedic tone and would accept it as a consensus version which should not be added to.

I'd also like to remind contributors (again) that using any sections about recent events (Euromaidan, etc.) as surrogate current affairs sections plainly violates Misplaced Pages policies and guidelines and is, therefore, not subject to talk page discussion, speculation, or consensus. If contributors wish to elaborate on the content, they should involve themselves with the relevant current affairs articles. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 22:57, 30 April 2014 (UTC)

The section seems well balanced to me now. --Reo 17:57, 1 May 2014 (UTC)

Request for comment: number of subdivisions in lead: display or don't

Are there any objections to current lead, which omits number of subdivisions? Currently it read as follows:

Ukraine is a unitary republic under a semi-presidential system with separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Its capital and largest city is Kiev. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine continues to maintain the second-largest military in Europe, after that of Russia, when reserves and paramilitary personnel are taken into account.

</reflist>

.

Related discussion is also going on Russia talk page. Seryo93 (talk) 06:17, 4 May 2014 (UTC)

Comment: It seems to me that the lead should indicate that the present situation is in flux. There are questions about the legality of the present government, depending on which constitution one refers to. There are questions about how much territory it actually controls. Until there is some sort of election there, it is impossible to forecast what Ukraine will look like in the near future. The lead that you propose seems to imply that everything is settled, nothing to see here, move along. Joe Bodacious (talk) 14:25, 4 May 2014 (UTC)

An encyclopedia shouldn't try to be up to minute, and certainly shouldn't try to look ahead. The current government is recognized by everyone except Russia. The great huha (talk) 06:57, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

Comment: Most Misplaced Pages articles on countries do not include the number of subdivisions (ratio of about 2:1, by my quick check of a handful of countries across the globe). Should be no biggie to just leave it alone, even after the crisis is over. It clutters the lead. By the way, the request for comment was asked in the negative; not a good practice. Jd2718 (talk) 11:42, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

I'm in agreement with you, Jd2718. The Russia article RfC has been up for nearly a month, so perhaps EvergreenFir could request that it be closed by an administrator, and that the RfC proposal here should follow the general lines of my proposal in that RfC. While some of us are aware of what is at issue, I think that Seryo93's brief request isn't clearly stated for other members of the community (apologies, Seryo93, that's not intended as a slight). --Iryna Harpy (talk) 22:45, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

That thing's not closed yet? Wow. EvergreenFir (talk) 23:03, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

Nope. Neutral/uninvolved contributors kept dropping in every time it looked as if it were ready to close. I think it's definitely run its course now. Cheers! --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:24, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

Comment: It's fine in its current form. EvergreenFir (talk) 23:03, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

Real results published by the Russian Human Rights Office reveals Crimean Referendum fraud

http://www.forbes.com/sites/paulroderickgregory/2014/05/05/putins-human-rights-council-accidentally-posts-real-crimean-election-results-only-15-voted-for-annexation/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by 147.142.87.25 (talk) 12:27, 7 May 2014 (UTC)

please talk in a single thread. Seryo93 (talk) 16:50, 7 May 2014 (UTC)

Adding an Anecdote about Cossack Rebellion in 1648

User:Iryna Harpy, Hi! I noted where my recent edit in the WP article, "Ukraine," was reverted, under the complaint: "Rv Broken link, using intro and not establishing RS." What do you mean here by RS? Davidbena (talk) 14:28, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

Hello, Davidbena. What I meant was exactly what I expressed in the edit summary I provided: that the citation link was broken and, although I tried to figure out where you were trying to link to, I couldn't establish your source. The link is malformed, and the text on that page (is it a blog, a forum?) doesn't point the Nathan ben Moses Hannover reference you've cited. Having searched for the "The Abyss of Despair", I haven't been able to establish anything other than the Misplaced Pages article in which it is called "Yeven Mezulah", and which unequivocally states that "... it is no longer considered a reliable historical source in spite of its literary qualities." Misplaced Pages is not a repository for anecdotal information.

Nevertheless, as we're on the subject, this article only provides outlines of the history, geography, economy and culture of Ukraine, and I'd consider that your addition of this 'anecdote' to this section as being undue given the balance in context. If you care to check the link to the 'largest of the Cossack uprisings' you appended the anecdote to, you'll find that these issues are expanded on at length and in context in the Khmelnytsky Uprising article, with a major section and detailed subsections on the casualties (specifically Jewish, Polish and Ruthenian/Ukrainian casualties). It is also dealt with in the Bohdan Khmelnytsky article with no punches pulled.

If you feel this anecdote to is essential, I'd suggest that it belongs in one of those articles, although it won't pass muster as it has been determined to be WP:QUESTIONABLE at best.

Incidentally, it wasn't a 'complaint' but an edit summary stating an observation made about the addition. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:05, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

First, to clarify what I meant by "anecdote." Here, my intent was simply to say that there is a need to make a short (terse) but relevant addition to the text, an addition which bears on some important historical piece of data related to the given context which is outlined in general terms, and which short addition gives fuller meaning to what is being described in the sub-title (i.e. Ukraine's history). There is a feeling that one gets while reading the present article that the Cossack rebellion, an important juncture in Ukrainian history, was no more than a rebellion which ended with the emancipation of its serfs, as if all else went well, and no one else was oppressed. Here, the very, very short addition will put everything else back into perspective.

As for the source that I cited, I used actually two different sources: 1) The book, "The Abyss of Despair," by Nathan ben Moses Hannover; and 2) a YouTube link (perhaps inappropriate for this venue), but which nevertheless interviews contemporary scholars in the United States and one Russian Professor who all say the exact same thing, viz., about the suffering brought upon the Poles living in the Ukraine at that time, as well as to the local Jewish population who often acted as tax collectors on behalf of the Polish nobles. If the aforementioned book is deemed unreliable, I am sure that their testimonies would not be considered unreliable by any means. I will be willing to use a different source, if you wish, but that will have to wait until I can go to the Hebrew University Library in Jerusalem. Any suggestions? For your information, here is the link to the YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dA0CEvxMMw&list=PLlP9xpK1XuD3D0RQIeVwbx6Bl1tIjpokn

Sincerely, Davidbena (talk) 00:59, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

Per your comment, ... about the suffering brought upon the Poles living in the Ukraine at that time, as well as to the local Jewish population who often acted as tax collectors on behalf of the Polish nobles.. you've inadvertently put your finger on the pulse, yet I don't believe you realise it. This took place on Ruthenian/Ukrainian territory which was occupied by the Poles. If you wish to add this information in order to "put everything else back into perspective", for the sake of balance, I would need to counter it with the plethora of well sourced historical information attesting to the brutality of the Polish regime and the suffering inflicted on the indigenous peoples (being the Ruthenians/Ukrainians) living on their own land. Do you see this as being warranted in light of what this article represents? --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:45, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

Iryna, in the final analysis, you decide on what is appropriate or not. This is your well-studied article, and I agree, that you are far more knowledgeable than I am in this field of expertise. Having said that, by pointing out the fact that atrocities were committed by the Poles to the indigenous Ukrainians, we cannot deny the fact that also ordinary Jews who had no part in this oppression (but simply belonged by race to others who acted as tax-collectors and estate managers on behalf of Poland) suffered also as a result of the Cossack rebellion. In my humble opinion, I think that there is a valid place to mention both atrocities. One atrocity led to another atrocity, which is deeply etched in the Jewish national conscious. What do you think? If you agree, I'll provide a better reference source. If you do not agree, I will herewith forego of pursuing this any further.Davidbena (talk) 16:41, 11 May 2014 (UTC)

I'm most certainly not trying to expunge these atrocities from Ukrainian history, Davidbena. As I've noted in regards to this article elsewhere (please see the discussions about keeping the current crisis in Ukraine and Russian intervention in Crimea down to a critical minimum), this is a WP:BROADCONCEPT article/lengthy disambiguation page. To bring this subject into the article would require a careful balance which I don't see as justifiable. Take into account that there are many other details regarding the history of Ukraine which aren't here, or have not been elaborated on precisely due the complexity of their nature. It's purpose is to serve as a quick read.

If you wish to develop this subject, it should be done so on the pages directly related. As an exercise in comparison, please read the articles on the subject of Germany, Spain, France (i.e, just an off-the-cuff quick list of those 'countries' who had expelled the Jews in a less than pleasant manner) and tell me how much you can find on the subject prior WWII information. I don't see any information about the history of the Jewish population during the late Middle Ages. Try taking a look through the article on Poland, particularly the claims under human rights and tell me whether you can spot the difference between theory and practice. What about Russia? Nothing? I find myself wondering why you have taken issue with this particular article: have you done so with these other articles? If not, why not?

As this is a talk page, and not a forum, it's inappropriate for me to expound on the subject here any further. If you wish to discuss it with me further, please leave a message on my talk page. Thank you for your understanding. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:17, 12 May 2014 (UTC)

As I said, I will not pursue this matter any further, other than to say that a short sentence is, indeed, mentioned about Jewish oppression in Spain, under the sub-title of Medieval History: "That same year, Spain's Jews were ordered to convert to Catholicism or face expulsion from Spanish territories during the Spanish Inquisition." A similar line, as short as this one, would have been appropriate in showing the general outcome of the Cossack rebellion. As for the other countries you've mentioned, if there were to exist a sub-title on a particular French or German king during whose medieval reign great crimes against humanity were committed, there would also be a place to briefly mention that fact too. Enough has been said here. Be well.Davidbena (talk) 01:23, 12 May 2014 (UTC)

@Davidbena: This isn't my article, and I don't have exclusive rights regarding what is presented or not presented. There may well be others who agree with you, so it's a matter of consensus by other contributors, not a matter between the two of us. To date, no one else has joined in the discussion in this section, but they're welcome to.

Ultimately, however, I really wouldn't know how to word it in a manner that isn't both embarrassing and derogatory to all ethnic groups involved. Have you actually read the Khmelnytsky Uprising article, and the section on Jewish victims? There has been a balance struck between the Jewish narrative and the Ukrainian narrative (not to mention the Polish narrative). The only vaguely balanced summary for this article that springs to mind is something to the effect of, "Between 1648 and 1656, tens of thousands of Jews — given the lack of reliable data, it is impossible to establish more accurate figures — were killed by the rebels, and to this day the Khmelnytsky uprising is considered by Jews to be one of the most traumatic events in their history. Modern estimates by scholars, including prominent Jewish historians, have established that the numbers and extent of atrocities have been vastly exaggerated. Under the Polish Empire, Jews were only allowed the most undesirable and high profile employment and were exploited as tax and due collectors (i.e., such as literally holding the keys to, and collecting fees for the use of churches by the impoverished Ruthenian/Ukrainian serfs for baptisms, weddings and funerals). Under the Polish Empire, Ruthenian/Ukrainian peasants were serfs periodically forced (predominantly by means of torture) into conversion to Catholicism from Eastern Orthodoxy. The serfs were owned (see History of serfdom) and had no rights other than to work the lands of the nobles who own them, and had no education, hence associated Jews with their oppression." Would you find this form of 'mention' as being either desirable or edifying for the reader? Does anyone else reading this discussion deem it important for the purposes of this article? --Iryna Harpy (talk) 04:18, 12 May 2014 (UTC)

No, Iryna. It is not necessary to go into details in an article which brings down a general overview of Ukraine, neither to make any one particular fact drawn out in great length. I had suggested something terse, yet important as far as history goes. My suggestion would have been something along these lines: "Both, the local Polish population and the Jews of Ukraine were often targeted during the Cossack uprising."Davidbena (talk) 13:48, 12 May 2014 (UTC)

For Your Information: I noticed in the WP article Khmelnytsky Uprising, under the sub-title "Jews," that it mentions the following: "A 2003 study by Israeli demographer Shaul Stampfer of Hebrew University dedicated solely to the issue of Jewish casualties in the uprising concludes that 18,000-20,000 Jews were killed out of a total population of 40,000." The reference cited is this: Stampfer, Shaul: "Jewish History, vol 17: What Actually Happened to the Jews of Ukraine in 1648?", pages 165-178. 2003.Davidbena (talk) 14:03, 12 May 2014 (UTC)

FYI, I am well acquainted with that article and the sources cited, Davidbena. Please read the entire section again and tell me, on my talk page, how the brief sentence you've suggested tacked onto the final paragraph/sentence is informative: it reads as the conclusion of the section and smacks of WP:UNDUE. You appear to have focussed on this as being WP:ITSIMPORTANT. No, in context it is not. Your argument is that it looms large in the Jewish narrative: my interpretation is that it's a POV push. I'm sorry to be so blunt about it, but there was a heck of a lot of awful 'stuff happening', full stop. Take a look at the numbers of people being taken as slaves alone. The fact that there is a push for Cossack atrocities throughout articles throughout Misplaced Pages does not mean that it has a place in a small section in a summary piece of an article entitled "Ukraine". I'm still reading your 'suggestion' as a grudge rather than salient information... and, again, I am asking that you do not keep using this talk page as a WP:FORUM. I would also suggest that, as a project, your Misplaced Pages interests are extremely limited, AKA WP:NOTHERE. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 06:26, 17 May 2014 (UTC)

Here, we will just have to agree to disagree. The events that I've mentioned in brief have nothing to do with any grudge, but are rather paramount to the history of the Cossack rebellion. Therefore, "Both, the local Polish population and the Jews of Ukraine were often targeted during the Cossack uprising," would have been most appropriate in the main article which mentions the uprising. But, never mind. As I said, you can leave the article as it is. Be well.Davidbena (talk) 19:40, 17 May 2014 (UTC)

@Davidbena: The section is entitled Foreign domination and briefly summarises a few centuries of history in an article entitled "Ukraine" (everything from geography to economics, etc.). Given that the latter part of the section briefly summarises Polish domination and the Khmelnytsky uprising as giving rise to a new epoch known as (the next section) "The Ruin" (in Polish history - "The Deluge"), I still fail to see how finishing the section with, "Both the local Polish population and the Jews of Ukraine were often targeted during the Cossack uprising." is of paramount importance to the epoch... or even how it constitutes a rational or justifiable sentence as the conclusion to the section. Who else would have been targeted: Hungarians? It reads as being awkward, and that your desire to somehow work it into the content is getting WP:POINTy. Which main article are you referring to? I have asked you to bring it to my talk page, but you're adamant about leaving the LASTWORD on this talk page as if you have been hard done by.

In order that you don't feel that I'm censoring the content, I'm extending an invitation to other contributors to express their opinion on the matter yet again. If you don't feel that this venue is satisfactory, I'm happy to refer it to Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Judaism on our behalves in order that there be a discussion as to the content and how best to integrate it into the article in general. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:00, 20 May 2014 (UTC)

Bold Revert Discussion, BRD, for Crimea-Russian Intervention

"Disruptive POV"?

I have some questions about this edit. As I understand it, there are unresolved constitutional issues about how the current Ukrainian government came to power, and one possible interpretation is in fact that the present government is a junta. I think this ought to be discussed here. I also wonder about reverting an edit and calling it "disruptive POV" -- what exactly does that mean, under the circumstances? That the editor has taken the wrong position? It seems clear that this article has some serious WP:BATTLEGROUND and WP:SOAP problems. My view is that any discussion of recent events should acknowledge that there is more than one possible interpretation of the legality of the present Ukrainian government. It's the only way for Misplaced Pages to avoid taking sides, and I think that Misplaced Pages should avoid taking sides. Joe Bodacious (talk) 21:05, 12 May 2014 (UTC)

While you may not like Volunteer Marek's choice of words for the edit summary, Ukraine is clearly not a military junta. This article is frequently vandalized by POV editors trying to pain the Ukrainian government as either victims or oppressors. That edit was the latter and was rightly reverted. EvergreenFir (talk) 23:23, 12 May 2014 (UTC)

A quick scan of online news media tell me that the Ukrainian government is called a "junta" by several leading members of the Russian Duma , by deposed President Yanukovych , by James Petras, and by Ukrainians living in the eastern sector who oppose the current government . If your immediate response is, "but those are the bad guys!", then we have an NPOV problem here. Misplaced Pages should acknowledge this viewpoint without endorsing it, just as it should acknowledge, without endorsing, the official US and European government/media view. The fact that relatively few nations endorse the Russian government's view does not make it non-notable (or even incorrect -- remember that the US often vetoes UN resolutions on Israel that are supported by the overwhelming majority of other nations, yet we do not automatically presume that the US is therefore wrong.) Joe Bodacious (talk) 00:13, 13 May 2014 (UTC)

Gimme a break. WP:FRINGE. Volunteer Marek (talk) 00:16, 13 May 2014 (UTC)

The reverted edit made the "junta" state of Ukraine looks like the common knowledge which is the actual problem. That POV is presented by pro-Russia entities, we cannot endorse it in the infobox which usually contains majority views. -- Sameboat - 同舟 (talk) 05:01, 13 May 2014 (UTC)

What they said. EvergreenFir (talk) 05:22, 13 May 2014 (UTC)

That, and just in common sense terms, for a government to be a "Military junta" there'd have to be, like, actual military people in the government. How many military people are in the present Ukrainian government? Oh! Wait. There's one. Military uniform with decorations and all, very junta-like. Mykhailo Koval. He's the Minister of Defense.

Bottom line, the edit I reverted was ridiculous. And disruptive. And POV.Volunteer Marek (talk) 05:30, 13 May 2014 (UTC)

Not all revolutionary govt's are juntas, but only those that are MILITARY dictatorships i.e. installed BY MILITARY. Which is clearly not the case here, regardless of rhetoric used by opponents of current Ukrainian government. Seryo93 (talk) 06:49, 13 May 2014 (UTC)

Periodic comparison of Ukraine version of Crimea subsection with English version

The Ukrainian version of this subsection compared to the English version appears to be half the size, and more informative and realistic.

18 лютого 2014 року поновилося силове протистояння між силовиками та євромітингувальниками у центрі Києва. У результаті сутичок мітингувальників із силовиками на вулицях Інститутській та Грушевського, а також на Майдані Незалежності у Києві загинуло понад 90 людей, поранено півтори тисячі і 100 вважаються зниклими безвісти. Результатом подій стало відсторонення 22 лютого Верховною Радою від виконання обов'язків Президента України Віктора Януковича та призначення дострокових президентських виборів на 25 травня 2014 року. Виконувати обов'язки президента України Верховна Рада доручила Олександру Турчинову.

The missing details and Ukrainian references missing in the English version are worth bringing in for consistent content and presentation through WikiProjects InterWiki links. FelixRosch (talk) 21:32, 16 May 2014 (UTC)

FelixRosch, in order to qualify what you are referring to, I am providing a link to the relevant section in the corresponding Ukrainian article (and in the section header above). Not only have I read it, I've also checked all of the sources (which are Ukrainian publications or statements from the Ukrainian government). Note that Ukrainian Misplaced Pages, Russian Misplaced Pages and all other wikis have there own sets of policies. Compare this to the Russian article on recent events in Crimea and you are presented with an entirely different picture of events. WikiProjects InterWiki links does not take precedence over English Misplaced Pages's policies, guidelines and community evaluations of RS or how to treat subject matter on a case by case basis.

Please take a look at the current RS/N regarding the use of Ukrainian based sources coverage of the ongoing Ukrainian crisis. Consensus there has been to cite sources with extreme care/prejudice (i.e., attribute them to the actual publisher, person being quoted, ad infinitum and find Western media coverage backing up the purported action, statement, etc.). This is to be applied to Russian based sources for coverage as well. Most importantly, these are recommendations for the current affairs articles dealing with the subject matter and should not need to be applied to this article as it is not within the scope of this article. WP:BALASPS, WP:WEIGHT, WP:RECENTISM, etc. all apply as per previous discussions on this talk page and on the Talk:Russia page (both of which you have engaged with other editors on the selfsame issues). --Iryna Harpy (talk) 04:45, 18 May 2014 (UTC)

Each of these policies is always of concern and needs to make some mention of Notability as an added issue. For example, when a president is inaugurated in a nation, then the event is Notable to the degree that it can and should be added to associated Wikipages as soon as it occurs, and Recentism is generally not seen as contrary to its inclusion as a Notable event. Your note above does not mention Notability alongside the other policy comments you have made. FelixRosch (talk) 18:38, 23 May 2014 (UTC)

As there is a discussion below now dedicated to potentially reviewing the depiction of these current affairs sections, your concerns are probably best brought up in the relevant section below, FelixRosch. Cheers! --Iryna Harpy (talk) 06:25, 24 May 2014 (UTC)

Edits about Donetsk vote

Hilltrot is entirely incorrect about the issue (and thankfully remove the assumptions of bad faith and personal attacks), but the recent edits about the vote in Donetsk are problematic. Aside from WP:NOTNEWS, the BBC article cited used tons of qualifying words when discussing the outcome of the vote. It does not seem like a good source for making an assertion about the outcome. If more comes of the whole issue and it becomes like Crimea, we'll need to add a sentence or two about it. But as it stands, it seems a bit WP:UNDUE to include it on this article. EvergreenFir (talk) 18:18, 17 May 2014 (UTC)

Agreed, EvergreenFir. I believe all of the points I brought up regarding the content of this article in response to FelixRosch (directly above) are equally relevant here. One of the main points stated regarding any sources (per Ukrainian based sources coverage of the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and including Western media coverage) is that information must be attributed to a reliable source, and that the RS qualifies where the information was obtained and the veracity of the reportage. The BBC article in question does not meet such criteria. It's a mish-mash of 'one person said', another 'claimed' and assorted hearsay.

As you've aptly pointed out, this article is not the news... it's not even the current affairs articles dealing with the specific current affairs. If there are changes to the status, we can review them after they have occurred and make decisions as to how to present them as briefly as is warranted in the context of this article. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 05:08, 18 May 2014 (UTC)

EvergreenFir You are completely wrong about the issue.

First thing, I need to apologize for some of the things I've said. In many cases, I understand that it was understood to be a blanket insult at everyone in Misplaced Pages. This is not the case and I apologize for my poor writing under the influence in this instance.

First point. The actual source is not the BBC. The BBC has filtered their news from the region in order to get their reporters more access. You can check out what happened to a Vice reporter if don't filter your news and say something they don't like. The sources are actually some pro-Putin thugs in this region. They are about as legitimate as Cliven Bundy and his bunch. Yes our "U.S. Military" (loosely used) ran away and gave up the land, but only because they were the more mature party. That does not mean all the encyclopedias should have started announcing the breakaway republic of Cliven Bundy in Nevada.

When news agencies are actually reporting, they will say what they are seeing. At that point they are the source. You can look up this information the AP stylebook if you want to. As I have said before, you cannot rely on any immediate information from regions of danger to reporters. Many times news agencies will either silence a region or even outright lie in order to protect the lives of their reporters. This is generally because they still believe life is more important than the news.

Second Point. There is a definite Putin POV being written in the Ukraine article.

Now one thing I have noted is that a lot of this has been reverted. My lack of understanding how to read the history had originally lead me to believe otherwise. For this, I thank those involved and is one of the main reasons for my apology. I do not know or think that EvergreenFur, Iryna Harpy, or FelixRosch are involved with this POV. I really don't know who did what when so I don't want to judge on this. However, I do get the feeling that "editors" as a whole don't think there is a POV problem.

Up to this point I've just been pointing out of the most blatant POV mistakes. The article really shows a very Putin viewpoint on the crisis as a whole. Notice how it mentions the elections and describes why Putin said Russia had to get involved. Notice how it mentions that Putin received authorization to use troops in March. What's missing?

Putin had actually invaded the Crimea in February. (This is an indisputable fact now that Putin has personally confirmed this.) In fact, no mention is made in the article about Russia ever invading Crimea. No mention at all. None. When this is left out, how does it make everything afterwards look like? It makes it look like Putin came to Crimea's rescue. If this fact was included, the entire situation has a radically different feel. Putin invaded Crimea. Putin staged the elections to justify his actions. Someone doesn't have to use the word "staged" or even "invasion" and still seem credible. The person writing this could use "facilitated" and "moved in unmarked masked armed troops to maintain peace" and still maintain some credible neutrality.

But when this invasion is completely left out. Completely. It provides a definite POV. Who knows? Maybe it was unintentional. I don't know.

Can any of you give an adequate explanation as to how leaving this out is not Putin POV? If not, do you care if I or someone else adds this? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Hilltrot (talk • contribs) 23:11, 19 May 2014 (UTC)

I agree. The invasion happened on Feb 28 Autonomous Republic of Crimea#Events in 2014. USchick (talk) 23:18, 19 May 2014 (UTC)

That would require section bloat which we're trying to avoid. This section is not meant to portray a blow-by-blow account of the troops already being deployed. Once we start adding details of this nature, there will be further complaints that other 'equally' salient points have been omitted... resulting in an entire rehash of already existing articles. The hatnotes are there for those who after the current affairs articles. This article is WP:NOTNEWS and dedicating unwarranted space to rehashing already existing articles is WP:UNDUE. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 10:36, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

I agree that bloat can be a problem. So far, two sentences have been removed but if that is not enough, "Crimea and Sevastopol ??formally?? declared independence as the Republic of Crimea and requested that they be admitted as constituents of the Russian Federation." can be removed for Avoid stating seriously contested assertions as facts in NPOV to add a sentence that Russian troops seized the Airport in Crimea on February 28.

However, what is there should be NPOV regardless of the size. Hilltrot (talk) 22:47, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

The points you've made would probably be best served under the query I've left for USchick and Seryo93 below regarding any proposed rewrite of the "Russian intervention in Ukraine" (keeping in mind that it isn't to be turned into a surrogate for the current affairs articles). If you check through this talk page and the "Russia" article talk page, the problem has been that it has been attracting huge numbers of POV traffic from contributors who couldn't get a look in on the current affairs articles due to the lack of neutrality. The objective has been to create a brief, stable, consensus version. I don't think that anyone is going to be entirely satisfied with any version, Hilltrot. There's been more energy expended on re-tweaking current affairs sections than has been expended on the entire article in total. Any time some form of consensus is reached, someone steps in and cries, "POV!" again. There's a point at which it has to be accepted that enough is enough. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 23:41, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

Agree with EvergreenFir and Iryna above.Volunteer Marek (talk) 12:35, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

It takes less space to tell the truth than to tell a lie. The truth is that Russia invaded Ukraine before they were invited to invade. You have reached consensus to tell a lie. Good for you. USchick (talk) 14:10, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

And other side is that US interfered in Ukr. affiars in Nov13-Feb14 revolution and now blames Russia for interfering in post-revolution Ukr. affairs. They pressured Yanukovich to avoid suppressing pro-EU "peaceful protest" (with petrol bombs thrown at Berkut, very peaceful) and now urge new revolutionary authorities to suppress pro-Russian "peaceful protest". "Nothing personal, it's just geopolitics"). And about "Putin confirmation": a) he stated that Russian forces backed self-defence (and not that CSD=Rus. army, as it "pointed" by many Western media) and (something "unnoticed" by media in the West) his press-secretary stated, that Russian forces arrived only on referendum day (and not in February). Maybe we should use intervention word rather than invasion? And please, remarks "You have reached consensus to tell a lie" aren't good, both for WP:CIVILITY and for fact, that in information warfare lies spreads from BOTH sides, not just from one (see example above about "peaceful revolution in Kyiv"). Bests, Seryo93 (talk)

If there are two sides to this story, the NPOV thing to do is to outline both sides. To push one side is POV and a lie (sorry). USchick (talk) 18:35, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

Rather agree, colleague :). Seryo93 (talk) 19:08, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

Thank you!!!! :) Neutral wording already exists in articles about the conflict. It's not like you have to invent something, just copy it. It's already sourced and agreed upon. USchick (talk) 19:14, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

USchick and Seryo93, how would you propose to present both sides (bearing in mind that this section in this article is WP:NOTNEWS) without bloating it? What, exactly, would we "just copy" and replace the current section with? --Iryna Harpy (talk) 22:29, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

Proposed copy to replace both sections Euromaidan and Intervention

From 2014 Ukrainian revolution

A revolution took place in February 2014 after a series of violent events in the capital of Kiev culminated with the ousting of the then-President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych. This was immediately followed by a series of changes in quick succession in Ukraine's sociopolitical system, including the installation of a new interim government, the restoration of an older version of the constitution, and the call to hold impromptu presidential elections within months.

After the revolution, Russia refused to recognize the new interim government, calling the revolution a coup d'état and seized control of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. This was followed by protests in its south-eastern regions, a dispute with Russia regarding the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation, and the amassing of Russian troops near Ukraine's borders.

Add this wording from the existing copy:

Crimea and Sevastopol formally declared independence as the Republic of Crimea and requested that they be admitted as constituents of the Russian Federation. On 18 March 2014, Russia and Crimea signed a treaty of accession of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol in the Russian Federation.

A new election is scheduled for 25 May to select a new president of Ukraine.

If I missed anything, please feel free to add it. USchick (talk) 23:38, 21 May 2014 (UTC)

Yes, this is closer to my POV, but Iryna is right. If you jump way to the other side, you're just going to have people get offended on the other side. And the spin cycle will repeat.

Size. These events are actually of greater historical importance than the Orange revolution. Four paragraphs are fine.

Title should be "Euro-maiden and Crimean Annexation by Russia." Saying "revolution" is making a judgment on the events.

First paragraph. "The Euromaiden protests started in November 2013 and culminated in February 2014 after a series of violent events in the capital of Kiev resulting in the ouster of the then-President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych." Don't call it a revolution. Let the reader decide. The time involved is vital in the interpretation.

First Paragraph, second sentence "The acting parliament rescheduled the presidential election from 29 March 2015 to 25 May 2014 and voted in a new interim government." Immediately and quickly are judgments. Impromptu means that the elections on 25 May are unorganized and that no one is preparing for them. The constitution was actually reverted before Yanukovich left. This reduces the Euromaiden to 2 sentences . . . before making this change, is there a way to contact the original author to make sure he/she is ok with this? I was not really wanting a change this radical, but if it happens, I'm ok with it.

"Russia did not to recognize the new interim government." I do not think the article should cover what names they were calling each other. Russia seized Crimea shortens a series of events which are very important and have literally "changed the map." It also is judgmental and will have someone wanting it changed to "annexed" within days. I would remove everything done in the east until the story is done. Please use neutral words. For example instead of "Russia refused to . . ." like "Jimmy refused to eat his broccoli," say "Russia did not recognize . . ." One is judgmental, the other is more neutral. It may not be exciting reading, but this does not need be exciting. "After the revolution," is not needed. This is being written chronologically. It is assumed to be after the previous section.

Key sentence "Russia started moving in unmarked armed soldiers into Crimea on 28 February 2014." This is what I believe really had to be added to the existing text for NPOV purposes. If you add this or something like it in, then most of the NPOV problem is corrected in my opinion. This is what caused "The map to change". If this did not happen, Ukraine would not have dominated the news. This is the key, primary event. Everything after happens because this happened.

I'm sorry I'm going to have really deviate here and say as a base, what's there right now is ok as a base. (The eastern stuff should be waited on. The Crimean annexation and what's happening in eastern Ukraine are really different events. If things resolve as in Mariupol (sp?) then they may not even deserve a mention.) Keeping much of the current "accepted" text will give people less cause to want to revert or otherwise get upset.

I do think the "Russian intervention in Ukraine" should be renamed "Annexation of Crimea by Russia" if the two topics are not combined. The first sentence needs to be completely removed. "Pro-Russian protests started on 23 February 2014 in Crimea. Russia started moving in unmarked armed soldiers into Crimea on 28 February 2014." Just the facts. Then continue with "On 1 March 2014, exiled Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych requested that Russia use military . . ." and so on.

One last thing, "The acting governments of Crimea and Sevastopol declared independence as the Republic of Crimea and requested that they be admitted as constituents of the Russian Federation." Formally implies that there was an existing and hence formal process for declaring independance from Crimea and should be removed. Or the sentence could be removed. The annexation would have occurred regardless.Hilltrot (talk) 05:11, 22 May 2014 (UTC)

• The major objection to the article right now is that there is no mention of the Russian invasion. It reads like Russian forces were inside Ukraine lawfully from the beginning. If this one aspect is fixed, the rest is ok in my opinion. USchick (talk) 15:12, 23 May 2014 (UTC)

Apologies, guys (and gals), I'm not ignoring this section, just caught up in other Misplaced Pages matters at the moment. I'll toss in my 2¢ ASAP. Cheers for now. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 06:31, 24 May 2014 (UTC)

Well, BSF was lawfully-present from the beginning, per Partition Treaty on the Status and Conditions of the Black Sea Fleet an 2010 Kharkiv Pact, but it acted (and not deployed, because it was already present) in violation (at least this is Ukrainian position) of these treaties. This is why " intervention" (which means "interference by a state in another’s affairs") is, in my view, better word than invasion. Intervention/interference can be carried by *mis*behavior of already-present units, whilst invasion may imply deployment of new units (see also , esp. point 1.1.). Either way, "Russia started moving in unmarked armed soldiers into Crimea on 28 February 2014." gives clear mention of Russian intervention (maybe we can also add something about 1 March authorization by Fed.Council). Bests, Seryo93 (talk) 08:55, 24 May 2014 (UTC)

Was BSF authorized to take over Parliament and select a new leader? And how did they end up in Donetsk? That's a lot of activity for someone who was simply renting a seaport. USchick (talk) 14:30, 24 May 2014 (UTC)

No, it wasn't authorized to do so (you're correct with that point, colleague :). In Donetsk Russian involvement is disputed (see note in the very beginning of 2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine article: "alleged involvement..."), Russian activity in Crimea was confirmed by both sides. Seryo93 (talk) 16:47, 24 May 2014 (UTC)

Thank you colleague ;) USchick (talk) 17:09, 24 May 2014 (UTC)

Note, this thread appears to have become inactive during the last three to four days. No updates posted. FelixRosch (talk) 18:38, 27 May 2014 (UTC)

That's not uncommon, FelixRosch. People do get caught up in other articles and have other priorities IRL. From the looks of things, it seems that everyone is okay with the current version bar a minor tweak to Russian soldiers being moved into Crimea on the 28th, followed by the RF Council's authorisation on March 1st. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:50, 28 May 2014 (UTC)

 Done I've inserted the additional sentence. Just as a note to Seryo93, the authorisation by the RF Council is already in the text, but you may want it tweaked a little further. If anyone is still unhappy with the information as it stands, please leave a further note under this section. Cheers! --Iryna Harpy (talk) 03:58, 28 May 2014 (UTC)

References

1. ^ Damien McElroy (23 February 2014). "Ukraine revolution: live – Ukraine's president has disappeared as world awakes to the aftermath of a revolution". The Daily Telegraph.
2. "Ukraine conflict: Tymoshenko speech ends historic day of revolution". BBC News. 22 February 2014.
3. Neil Buckley and Roman Olearchyk (22 February 2014). "Yanukovich toppled in new Ukrainian revolution". Financial Times.
4. "Yanukovych: The man who sparks revolution in Ukraine". Yahoo! News. Agence France-Presse. 20 February 2014. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 1 December 2008 suggested (help)
5. "Lavrov: If West accepts coup-appointed Kiev govt, it must accept a Russian Crimea — RT News". Rt.com. 2014-03-30. Retrieved 2014-05-19.
6. Sullivan, Tim (1 March 2014). "Russian troops take over Ukraine's Crimea region". Associated Press.
7. Vladimir Radyuhin (18 March 2014). "Putin thanks India for its stand on Ukraine". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
8. Ummelas, Ott; Eglitis, Aaron (11 March 2014). "Putin on Ukraine Okay With China-Syria-Venezuela Minority". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
9. SOMINI SENGUPTAMARCH, "Russia Vetoes U.N. Resolution on Crimea" The New York Times, March 15, 2014
10. 16 March 2014, David Herszenhornmarch, The New York Times, "Crimea Votes to Secede From Ukraine as Russian Troops Keep Watch."
11. "Backing Ukraine’s territorial integrity, UN Assembly declares Crimea referendum invalid". UN News Centre. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
12. Keating, Dave (25 February 2014). "Ukraine sets date for presidential election". Europeanvoice.com. Retrieved 12 May 2014.

Better Map

I suggest putting Ukraine on this more accurate map of Europe. It includes more realistic borders of Crimea, which were always exaggerated since Crimea was a part of Ukraine. Now that Crimea is de facto part of Russia this map should be used. Three version of the Ukrainian map should be made, one with Crimea as part of Ukraine, one with Crimea as a disputed region, and one with Crimea not a part of Ukraine at all. The map of Russia has all those versions therefore the map of Ukraine should as well. --WhyHellWhy (talk) 23:05, 24 May 2014 (UTC)

I see very little difference in the borders of Crimea between the current map and the one you posted. What exactly is wrong with the borders? And as for changing the map to any coloring beyond what it currently has, good luck. It took a huge RfC to get the current one. The map in the infobox on Russia is just like the one on Ukraine. EvergreenFir (talk) 02:42, 25 May 2014 (UTC)

There are very clear differences in the borders of Crimea, if you don't see them please look closer. I didn't ask to change the colours, I simply asked to use a different map, the colours should definitely stay the same. I also asked to have more version of the map, one with Crimea as part of Ukraine and one with Crimea as not part of Ukraine, and of course the map with Crimea as a disputed region which is the map that should be used for this article.--WhyHellWhy (talk) 00:10, 26 May 2014 (UTC)

WhyHellWhy - I'm fine with the first part if it is indeed better (will rely on someone else to verify this). As for the second part, are you proposing that all 3 versions be used in the article, or just that someone make them? EvergreenFir (talk) 02:53, 26 May 2014 (UTC)

I simply ask that they are made. The only version that should be used in the article is with Crimea depicted as a disputed region. The map of Russia has all three versions of the map, one with Crimea as a part of Russia, one with Crimea as not part of Russia, and one with Crimea as a disputed region, the map of Ukraine should have all three versions as well.--WhyHellWhy (talk) 03:45, 26 May 2014 (UTC)

What 3 maps of Russia? There's only one on the Russia article of the contemporary RF, and it looks more like an abstract concept than a map: with Crimea being depicted as a lopsided tilda. Agreed that the peninsula looks a little more firmly attached but, given the complexity of its shape, the most detailed depiction is going to come up as a blob fairly much as it is depicted now in maps of this size.

No one else has considered this to be such a vital issue on either of the articles. Why is this particular map a better depiction? There's actually a far better template you can work from on Wiki Commons version which does depict the details. You should can create a better version using the tools available there yourself, then propose the change with your new map. Cheers! --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:33, 27 May 2014 (UTC)

Click on the map of Russia on the article of the country and look at the other version of the map, if Russia has different version of its sovereignty with or without Crimea why shouldn't Ukraine. Also on the current map of Ukraine, Crimea is over-exaggeratedly attached to Ukraine, the map that I proposed to use has more realistic borders. --WhyHellWhy (talk) 04:03, 27 May 2014 (UTC)

Where does it have 3 versions? There's only one depicting the disputed region, and it's in the infobox. I acknowledged what you said about the border and responded. Did you actually read what I'd written? All you're doing is repeating yourself. If it's that important to you, you can make a new one yourself at Wiki Commons. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 07:22, 27 May 2014 (UTC)

I did read what you wrote, but you seem to be completely ignoring what I wrote. I told you to click on the map, however you keep talking about the fact that there is only one map on the article. Here, follow this link and scroll down a bit, all the other versions of the map are there https://en.wikipedia.org/File:Russian_Federation_%28orthographic_projection%29_-_Crimea_disputed.svg --WhyHellWhy (talk) 07:43, 27 May 2014 (UTC)

I forgot that you're fairly much still a newbie and that you possibly don't understand how Wiki Commons works. Those were versions created from the same map, including a POV push to depict Crimea as being an undisputed part of the RF. There could be 50 reworkings of the same map in the same category and they'd all show up. The map being used on the Russia article is the version that's been approved for usage. If you want to create 20 variations of the Ukraine map using the template, do so. They'll all show up there... but the only one that will be used for Misplaced Pages is the approved version. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 10:10, 27 May 2014 (UTC)

I vote for this map to be used. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.53.25.176 (talk) 14:43, 28 May 2014 (UTC)

You vote for a blank map of Europe being used? That's an interesting take, friend... --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:12, 29 May 2014 (UTC)

I created a map using my suggested template. I think it's pretty accurate, however if anyone feels that I have made a mistake on the borders feel free to fix it. It is not an svg file so if anyone can help me convert it into one that would be greatly appreciated. --WhyHellWhy (talk) 23:09, 31 May 2014 (UTC)

(disputed territory in light green)

I request that this caption under the map be changed to something closer to reality, like claimed but uncontrolled regions shown in light green, as per example used in India. "Disputed" gives the connotation of an uncertainty on who actually controls the territory which, in fact, does not exist.

--82.53.25.176 (talk) 14:48, 28 May 2014 (UTC)

Please read the talk page before trying to open up discussions already dealt with at length. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:17, 29 May 2014 (UTC)

Disputed doesn't mean "uncertainty on who actually controls the territory", it means "uncertainty of who legally possesses sovereignty over this territory". And Crimea, while certainly under Russian control, is clearly such a dispute, because both countries claim (in their constitutions) Crimea as their own. Seryo93 (talk) 06:34, 29 May 2014 (UTC)

So why this ridiculous periphrasing is not used in the India article? Wouldn't you agree that this latter use is much clearer and less prone to ambiguity? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.51.20.245 (talk • contribs)

Changed to a "Georgian" variant. Hopefully, this would be less disputed. Seryo93 (talk) 10:32, 30 May 2014 (UTC)

I don't know that this has been understood to be the consensus view yet, Seryo93. It would also mean that the corresponding Russia article should follow along the same lines. I'm okay with it, so I'm happy to let your edit stand. I guess we'll have to wait to see whether someone wants to pursue it per WP:BRD. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 03:26, 31 May 2014 (UTC)

@Iryna Harpy: Of course, Ru. article shall follow along the same lines. Completly agree :) Seryo93 (talk) 06:54, 31 May 2014 (UTC)

@Iryna Harpy:: Edited Russia article to follow more-or-less similar pattern. Seryo93 (talk) 06:58, 31 May 2014 (UTC)

Cheers, Seryo93. I've noted that edit, also. It qualifies the scenario far better than 'disputed'. There's been ample time for the situation to have been expressed from both sides. Reclaiming Crimea has been described by Ukrainian officials as being a long-term objective therefore, given how quickly the Ukrainian crisis has escalated, I'd consider both updates to the descriptions to be WP:DUE and WP:NPOV. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:12, 1 June 2014 (UTC)

Infobox has been updated with announcement of new President-elect

The Infobox has been updated today by User:Seryo with the announcement of the new President-elect. The main body of the article is now updated as well with the election results as reported by NYTimes in separate articles and on newscast broadcasts which are referenced by URL and citation. FelixRosch (talk) 20:53, 28 May 2014 (UTC)

WP:NOTNEWS again

FelixRosch seem to have a fondness for inserting recent quotes into this article claiming they are "historic". Does anyone else think Obama's "wait and see" quote is historic and will be remembered in a couple months? --NeilN 21:11, 7 June 2014 (UTC)

Agreed. NOTNEWS. EvergreenFir (talk) 23:36, 7 June 2014 (UTC)

Absolutely, unequivocally NOTNEWS. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 23:51, 7 June 2014 (UTC)

If all 3 are opposed the the Obama version of this material about Eastern Ukraine, then I can re-post the death toll statistics and casualty statistics from another source. This is for consistency with the weight currently given for Maidan and its 100 death toll already on the wikipage, in comparison to the current death toll of over 300 in Eastern Ukraine which is not included on the previous wikipage. Include url: http://rt.com/news/163308-killed-injured-eastern-ukraine/ FelixRosch (talk) 17:16, 10 June 2014 (UTC)

WP:NOTNEWS again. This kind of stuff belongs in the child article. --NeilN 04:34, 11 June 2014 (UTC)

Jargon translation: "child article" means the subarticle of this larger one, namely 2014 pro-Russian conflict in Ukraine. EvergreenFir (talk) 05:02, 11 June 2014 (UTC)

did the Ukraine exist in the 13th century?

...in the 13th century, Ukraine was contested, ruled and divided by a variety of powers. is a confusing passage in the lede, i suggest we rephrase/clarify. Darkstar1st (talk) 21:16, 9 June 2014 (UTC)

What's confusing about it? In the 13th century Kievan Rus (the state) fragmented and the territory (Ukraine) became contested by other states. --Khajidha (talk) 16:37, 11 June 2014 (UTC)

Is this article about Ukraine the country only, if so, when did Ukraine become a country? Kievan Rus' has a separate article, are you suggesting this is a fork? Darkstar1st (talk) 16:51, 11 June 2014 (UTC)

Kievan Rus is a former state on the same land as the current state Ukraine. It is a part of Ukraine's history just as England is part of the United Kingdom's history, or Gaul is part of France's history, or the Roman Empire is part of Italy's history. We can still speak of this bit of dirt as Ukraine even before the state Ukraine existed. --Khajidha (talk) 17:59, 11 June 2014 (UTC)

Now qualified to meet your exacting standards, Darkstar1st. I've changed the entry to read as, "Following its fragmentation in the 13th century, the territory of Ukraine was contested, ruled and divided by a variety of powers." Considering that it is, as you have to aptly pointed out, an article which deals with Ukraine, the lead includes its history. The content is not designed to accommodate WP:POINTy arguments about the present day name any more than the article on Russia is designed to delve into the depths of the use of the name "Russia". Thank you for your input. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:22, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

you are welcome! you may be able to improve the previous sentence as well, the country being the prime candidate site for the domestication of the horse the source, what is now Kazakhstan, . Darkstar1st (talk) 01:50, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

Well, Darkstar1st, I've amended the entry to, "The territory of Ukraine has been inhabited for at least 44,000 years, and is the prime candidate site for the domestication of the horse..." It was certainly well before Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Western Russia, etc. were inhabited by peoples who would may or may not have related DNA haplogroup markers qualifying them as being related to the current inhabitants, so presenting it as if there were a direct lineage is spurious at best.

Nevertheless, the article you've sourced is based on Bob McDonald's own interpretation of a Dr. Outram's pre-2009 study. More recent studies (2012) have actually identified current day Ukraine (i.e., Western Eurasian Steppe) as being the likely candidate. The other regions of the Eurasian Steppe have been factored in, but disentangling the data is still proving to be problematic, therefore there is no absolute answer as yet. See Mystery of the domestication of the horse solved: Competing theories reconciled. If you're interested in pursuing it further, the article provides a link to the Cambridge University study which I've spent some time reading through. If you're interested in developing the Misplaced Pages article on Domestication of the horse, more quality contributions are always appreciated. It's all still up in the air, and this shouldn't be a battle for claims but for sourced info. Cheers! --Iryna Harpy (talk) 06:27, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

set archive to 30 or 60 days

some of the sections have been inactive for 3+ months. would anyone object to setting the talk to auto-archive inactive thread after 30 days? Darkstar1st (talk) 11:33, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

Ukraine, the country, was formed in 882

the info box is confusing. The formation of this country was in 882. the info box has Kievan Rus', not Ukraine. Are these two different countries, or the same with multiple names? Darkstar1st (talk) 11:47, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

You certainly seem to be easily confused. You might try reading the articles in order to understand the relationship to the modern nation-state known as "Ukraine". Paying attention to the information in these articles might just clear up some of your overwhelming "confusion". You could also do some research and actually edit the articles if you are interested in finding out something of the history of any regions in the world you don't know much about.

I note that you haven't made any such observations relating to the infobox on the Russia article. How is Kievan Rus' and Grand Duchy of Moscow "Russia"? Why does Persia redirect to Iran? If you're genuinely interested, try to do some reading before asking questions. Frankly, your queries are getting to be somewhat WP:POINTy, and your continuous postings here over the last couple of days are beginning to look very much like WP:SOAPBOX. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 22:47, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

merge with Ukraine (disambiguation)

the disambiguation page doesn't have much and i doubt anyone refers to a boat, stadium, hotel, or asteroid as simply "Ukraine". perhaps this text could go in see also or the trash. Darkstar1st (talk) 11:50, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

That's not what see also is for. The disambiguation page is fine. --NeilN 11:57, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

it appears to be a loop... Ukrayina redirects here, and Ukraina (disambiguation) has its own article already. Darkstar1st (talk) 12:09, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

Some cleanup is needed, is all. If an entity can be referred to as "Ukra(y)ina", it should be on the Ukraina (disambiguation) page, and if an entity can be referred to as "Ukraine", it should be on the Ukraine (disambiguation) page. If an entity can be referred to using both variants, it should be on both pages. Unless you end up with the identical set of entries on both dabs (which is not going to be the case here, as it is incorrect to refer to the Polish villages as "Ukraine"), having two separate pages is just fine, even if there is a lot of overlap.—Ëzhiki (Igels Hérissonovich Ïzhakoff-Amursky) • (yo?); June 12, 2014; 13:06 (UTC)

good points all. there are no terms in the disam that can be referred to as Ukraine, rather each link a differently spelled term such Ukraina-class motorship like in this example, or Hotel Ukrayina. Darkstar1st (talk) 15:12, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

Well, the hotel, at least, can be. You might very well be right on the rest of them, but I'm also sure that with a bit of research other qualifying entries can be found (such as Reichskommissariat Ukraine, for example).—Ëzhiki (Igels Hérissonovich Ïzhakoff-Amursky) • (yo?); June 12, 2014; 15:43 (UTC)

Anthem

The title of the Ukrainian anthem is not correct. The first line of the anthem is the following: "Neither Ukrainian glory, nor freedom has not yet died" But not "Ukraine has Not Yet Died", as it is in the article now. Of course, in English the difference between these two phrases is significant, but in Ukrainian they sound very similar. Thus, in original language, the first line is "Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy (i slava i volia)", bot not "Shche ne vmerla Ukraina.". Couse now it looks like a country is gonna die. That is lost in translation, I suppose. 46.165.187.200 (talk) 22:47, 17 June 2014 (UTC)

The first line is explained here . However, that's not the title. According to published sources, the title is "Shche ne vmerla Ukraina"

. So unfortunately, what we have now is correct. USchick (talk) 04:15, 18 June 2014 (UTC)

Ukraine is Central European country editing needed to be allowed

I attempted to change an article that Ukraine is Central European country (and according to other claims Eastern Europen), but my edit was rejected many times. Dispute resolution needed. Where could I complain? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.222.138.18 (talk) 13:58, 11 July 2014 (UTC)

@192.222.138.18: You need to provide reliable sources to back you assertion that Ukraine is Central European country. Currently, the CIA Factbook is cited as saying it's Eastern European. It would take some high quality sources to negate that source. EvergreenFir (talk) Please {{re}} 23:18, 11 July 2014 (UTC)

--Stanley514 (talk) 14:01, 14 July 2014 (UTC)First of all, I would be glad to know which exactly sources are regarded as reliable? CIA factbook is definitely ridiculous as a "geographical authority". If we look at the "map of Europe" based on their division: http://commons.wikimedia.org/File:Regions_of_Europe_based_on_CIA_world_factbook.png we will see that they define Spain as a part of Europe on it's own. The same is true about only two countries: Italy and Greece. Also there exist strong discrepancy between Misplaced Pages and cia factbook anyway. For example, the later defines Germany as part of Central Europe only and Switzerland as Western Europe. But in Misplaced Pages Germany is claimed to be located in Western-Central Europe, Switzerland is in Western and Central Europe and "note 4" gives link to a wikipage with explanation that:

"Western or Central Europe? There is no universally accepted subdivision of Europe and the issue how to name the different European regions and define the borders between them is subject to debates. Depending on the definition chosen, Switzerland can be either part of Western or Central Europe, both concepts being context-dependent and carrying cultural, economical and political connotations." http://en.wikipedia.org/Geography_of_Switzerland#Western_or_Central_Europe.3F

Farther, Romania is defined as a country "at the crossroads of Southeastern and Central Europe" http://en.wikipedia.org/Romania Croatia as located at "the crossroads of Central Europe, Southeast Europe" (In difference from CIA world factbook which doesn't give reference to Central Europe for Croatia. http://en.wikipedia.org/Croatia Baltic States in cia factbook map are defined as an Eastern Europe while in Misplaced Pages as Northern Europe only.

So, if so many countries are "in between" and there is no universally accepted definition of Europe subdivisions, why Ukraine is an "Eastern Europe only" and no other veiwpoints are allowed? I believe that Ukraine has strong arguments to be named Central European. I've heard not at once that it is located "practically at the center of Europe". If you will draw a straight line from Lisbon to Ural mountains and draw a dot exactly at the middle, this one dot will be in Ukraine. Misplaced Pages mentions Ukraine as one of the bidders where center of Europe is located on: "modern day Ukraine: In 1887, geographers from the Austro-Hungarian Empire set up a historical marker and a large stone in what is today a part of Ukraine, believed to mark the geographic centre of Europe. The interpretation of the worn Latin inscription on the monument is debated, with some claiming that the marker is merely one of a number of fixed triangulation points for surveying purposes established around the territory of the former Empire. The external borders of Europe taken into account during the calculations are not known. According to the description, the methodology used for the calculation is that of the geometrical middle point of the extreme latitudes and longitudes of Europe, so the stone was located at 48°30′N 23°23′E. However, the actual location of the monument seems rather 47°57′46.47″N 24°11′14.4″E and not the coordinates to which they relate. This is near the village of Dilove located on the Tisza river, close to the Romanian border, in the county of Rakhiv in the Transcarpathian region.'' http://en.wikipedia.org/Geographical_midpoint_of_Europe#Austria-Hungary And even if you simply look at the map of continental Europe you see that Ukraine is located central enough. So, if geographical midpoint of Europe is located on Ukrainian territory, why Ukraine cannot pretend to be named Central European?! Any arguments against it? Otherwise it rises suspicion that all this Europe subdivisions accepted in wiki may have nothing with scientific geography, are quack and may include some dubious political or racist undertone and therefore better should be removed at all. Stanley514 (talk) 13:59, 14 July 2014 (UTC)

Use of descriptor 'South-East' Ukraine

→

I believe there was unrest in South and East Ukraine. As a completely good-faith edit that was not a BLP / sourcing / other actual issue, I don't think the edit warranted a warning. Aside from all that, could you please explain your revert? You only said what you did rather than why. I don't understand using intermediate directions with hyphens (i.e. South-East instead of southeast). I have very little doubt that you have reasons, but could please elaborate? I know that some users in the same situation as you with me commenting on their talk pages would take this in a bad way for some reason, but I really hope that you don't. I am not assuming any bad intent. Thank you. Dustin (talk) 01:47, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

In the first instance, this has been a bone of contention for a long time on Misplaced Pages. Without going into the gory details, geographical locations for Poland and Ukraine have been disputed as many times as you've had hot suppers. Grammatically, South and East Ukraine is incorrect: it would have to be southern and eastern Ukraine. There is no such use of South USA, North Canada, South France, etc. The only instance for the use of a compass point in that manner is where a country has been divided literally: West Germany; North Korea; South Korea. What is being expressed in this instance in the approximate geographical location of the unrest. Sorry, gotta make lunch. I'll chat later. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 01:59, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

I don't know... English can vary from place-to-place. For example, while the Pacific Ocean isn't actually divided, you would usually call the eastern part the East Pacific (with capitalized "East"). The thing with "South-East" versus "southeastern" or "southern and eastern" is an issue which should have something written about in the Manual of Style somewhere, or perhaps there already is? In any case, thanks for the quick response. Dustin (talk) 02:06, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

Take a look at Talk:Galicia (Eastern Europe) (plus the archive). There have been AN/I disputes, RfC's and squabbling over English language conventions surrounding how northerly, easterly, etc. regions are described in the English language specifically for these countries. It's an awful mess, but one thing was considered certain: there is no East Ukraine, West Ukraine, North Ukraine. I'll have to rummage around my watchlists and some of my bookmarked pages where some form of convention was reached by consensus. I'm beginning to think that, as with all other headings, it may need to be lower case, as in "Pro-Russian unrest in the south-east" (or would it be "Pro-Russian unrest in the South-east"?). I think the best bet for that might be googling variants. I have encountered a few articles discussing Southern/southern Ukraine (Odessa, for example), and some discussing Eastern/eastern Ukraine, but only when dealing with a specific region. As this subheader covers the sum total of those regions (including areas often already described as central Ukraine in English texts), it needs to encompass the general locality where various forms of unrest have taken place, which happens to be the South-easternish part of Ukraine. Whew!

You are quite correct in pulling me up for leaving such a terse edit summary, and reprimanding the IP. I was engaged in discussions on and working on a few articles simultaneously. I'll leave an additional note on the IP's talk page welcoming them to engage in the discussion here. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 03:52, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

Hmm... this is quite a complicated issue isn't it? Too much stuff can get confused. Thanks for the response. I have to reply to another editor about something else, so I will say more in just a bit. Dustin (talk) 03:58, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

Okay. I'll start posting some of the higher level guidelines here for you:
MOS:COMPASS --Iryna Harpy (talk) 04:21, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

I think that when a direction such as North, West, South, or East is used in conjunction with a non-direction specific location (such as my East Pacific example earlier) and it is actually used relatively commonly, you can capitalize the direction. Another thing to note is that if the direction is something like "southwest" being used with the main location as a common name, then you must capitalize both directions as South-West. In this way, if there isn't a name commonly used for southeastern areas of Ukraine, then it should be changed from "South-East" to either "southeast" or "south and east". Correct me if I am wrong there, or ask if I need to clarify on what I am saying. Dustin (talk) 04:32, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

• I'd personally say that the best possible descriptor is "southern and eastern Ukraine". Odessa isn't really in the "southeastern" part of Ukraine geographically, but it is commonly described as being in "southern Ukraine". Directions should not be capitalised unless they are part of a proper noun. It is fairly simple. Some proper nouns do use the form "East X", "North X", &c. However, these forms are non-standard, and only apply to proper nouns. When speaking about areas in a generic sense, using the adjectival forms. The standard adjectival form of directions are the usual "southern, eastern, northern, western". Therefore, I don't think one would ever write "East Pacific". The proper way to describe such an area would be "the eastern Pacific Ocean". RGloucester — ☎ 05:06, 16 July 2014 (UTC)
  • (edit conflict × 2) East Pacific, Central Pacific, and West Pacific in fact are used relatively often. The reason I used that example is that I often edit Pacific hurricane articles, and those are the names for different tropical cyclone areas. However, that's a discussion for another day. I do agree that unless it is being used as part of a proper noun, the article should be changed to read "southern and eastern Ukraine". Dustin (talk) 05:11, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

They may be used, but that does not make them correct. They are a form of shorthand, perhaps used in jargon-like contexts, such as with your cyclones. Neither shorthand nor jargon are appropriate for encyclopaedic prose writing. RGloucester — ☎ 05:13, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

Actually, I believe these are the basin names accepted by the United Nations World Meteorological Organization, but, like I said, that's an irrelevant discussion for another day because here, it is not applicable in the exact same way. Dustin (talk) 05:15, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

I think it was for several reasons that the original "America" was divided into North America and South America. There are actually specific boundaries. Dustin (talk) 05:16, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

• I do not think the United Nations is an authority on the English language. I leave such matters to Dr Henry Watson Fowler, and his ilk. Regardless, you are right in saying that those examples are not applicable. They are jargon in a specific context (or are proper nouns), as I mentioned, and have no relevance in standard writing. RGloucester — ☎ 05:19, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

UN naming conventions have constantly being rejected for English Misplaced Pages. English language convention is a little more complex inasmuch as there is a fairly substantial English language history of the use of Western Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine. 'South' and 'east' are not a part of the equation, however, as south Ukraine includes everything along the coast of the Black Sea and, even there, some of those regions have long been referred to in English academic texts as Western Ukraine. Additionally, I have never encountered the use of South Ukraine or East Ukraine. Having spent the last hour pouring over google, the variants used are mainly South-East Ukraine, south-eastern Ukraine, East Ukraine. I'm finding myself drawn towards "southeastern and eastern Ukraine". --Iryna Harpy (talk) 05:22, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

(edit conflict) I still think that (EPAC, WPAC, CPAC) may be within the bounds of proper English (I have reasons, but I am NOT discussing this anymore, it's too irrelevant!) But can we agree on a change? Dustin (talk) 05:23, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

Language is always relevant. We'd not be much without it. RGloucester — ☎ 05:24, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

RGloucester, if I didn't care about language, I wouldn't have brought up this discussion in the first place. In any case, I have changed the article to "southern and eastern Ukraine" because I find that to be the least disputed form of usage. Dustin (talk) 05:31, 16 July 2014 (UTC)

Why is the reason of the origins if Slavic people, language artifacts coming from Ukraine not listed here?

Why is the reason of the origins if Slavic people coming from Ukraine not listed. This is what the Czechs believe and is a common theory. A quote from "A History Of The Czech Lands" written by Jarolav Panek and Oldrich Tuma, Et Ali. They are archaeologist's and professors not some American book writers who have never left there own lands. I will now quote a passage on page 58 written by Dusan Tredtik. Far beyond these Germanic tribes, somewhere in the expansive regions of the central Dnieper ( Ukraine) a new Slavic- speaking people emerged at some stage during the 2nd to 4th centuries. The Romans new nothing of them neither does modern research have any clear idea about there origins. All that can be said is that archaeologists are researching the existence of the oldest Slavic settlements from the end of the 5th century in the Ukraine and confirm that about in the year 530AD masses of Slavic trans migration had begun at the boarder of the Byzantium on the lower Danube. Also google Proto Slavic and do some research, about Slavic pottery and graves. You in my opinion are very wrong about the deaths in World War II. The Ukraine’s welcomed the Nazi's at first because of the Holodomor forced famine by Stalin in 1933 (10 million died). but then the Nazi's started the superior race theory which lead to mass murder. Germans had more Slavic tribes than anyone else in the past, Obotrites, Sorbs, Wends, Polabians,Polan ,Pomerania, Veleti , Sorbs under Prince Dervan in 600ad settled in Saxony. Bavaria Slavic two tribes settled in Bavaria one located in Bamberg (Google: Bamberg Slavic graves). There are many more I could name as I have 200+ links. Also remember East Germany was part of the Soviet Empire. Anyway I believe the Nazi's and then the later return of Russians during and after in World war II. Resulted in the death total of 7-8 million Ukrainian Peoples. Please do your own research and this is not good enough what is written here. Casurgis out — Preceding unsigned comment added by 110.32.232.58 (talk) 14:07, 18 July 2014 (UTC)

Suggestion: if you have access to so many reliable and verifiable sources, perhaps you could contribute by supplying links rather than your WP:POV. Please read what Misplaced Pages is not. If you wish to contribute constructively, we welcome you aboard. If your position is that Misplaced Pages is wrong and it is up to some naughty imaginary body you assume controls Misplaced Pages being obliged to follow your instructions, please read WP:NOTCOMPULSORY. Rather than criticise, we encourage those with knowledge to create an account and contribute (in fact, you don't even have to create an account). --Iryna Harpy (talk) 00:49, 19 July 2014 (UTC)

No problem as promised here are many links to SLAVIC HISTORY!. Many are from present day Germany but read and learn. Also I have many more but i do work a lot so when I find time, I will give you many more links. See you in Two years time because it will take you a while to read all these links. Keep and open mind and you will see. (Protracted list of wikilinks and spam external links removed per WP:SPAM and WP:SOAP) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 110.33.14.133 (talk) 05:51, 19 July 2014 (UTC)

Please read my response properly. If you had misunderstood my statement about supplying links here, it should have been clear that I was not asking for an exhaustive list of wikilinks as Misplaced Pages is not a reliable source (see WP:WINARS), plus ridiculous links to blogs and forums (read WP:RS) here, on the talk page. What I did suggest is that you try to contribute to the article constructively using verifiable and reliable sources. WP:NOTCOMPULSORY means that you don't get to delegate your WP:POV 'links' to me in order that I edit on your behalf. It should also be understood that, just as I don't know how well acquainted you are about the subject of the article, being "Ukraine" (although you've certainly given me a fair idea of your lack of scholarly knowledge and bias), by the same token you have no idea of the depth and extent of my knowledge of the subject. In this instance I'll sum up for you as "яйце курку вчить." Contribute to the article, but don't try to teach anyone what "The Truth" is. Thank you for your understanding. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 23:53, 19 July 2014 (UTC)

Ukraine are Slavic and maybe the orginals. These links are from Ukraine websites: http://www.wumag.kiev.ua/index2.php?param=pgs20102/88 http://www.wumag.kiev.ua/index2.php?param=pgs20053/4 This is my personal document I have uploaded for you. It has been taken from a book "A History Of The Czech Lands" written by Jarolav Panek and Oldrich Tuma, Et Ali. They are archaeologist's and professors. Link is below and is about the origins of Slavic people coming from Ukraine: http://www.docdroid.net/f0lw/ukraine.pdf.html Sorry I went over board, we all need to be more understand to Ukraina in my opinion. Good luck Casurgis — Preceding unsigned comment added by 110.32.250.196 (talk) 00:51, 21 July 2014 (UTC)

Thank you, Casurgis. I've downloaded the relevant PDF & will take a look at the two other links you've provided. It fairly much confirms what has already been established about the early Slavs (including the territory inhabited around the Dnieper), although there is much more research emerging from various Eastern Slavic regions, plus DNA which puts Ukrainian, Belarus and Russian inhabitants into the same haplogroups. Most of this material would be relevant to the History of Ukraine article rather than this article. There are also related articles examining the history of the Rus', Eastern European Slavs, etc. Cheers for your input. --Iryna Harpy (talk) 03:31, 21 July 2014 (UTC)

Crimea

It is 100% tasteless for you to make Crimea light green considering it is Ukrainian territory and has been for decades. It's currently "occupied" by Russia because of a "referendum". It is NOT disputed by Russia. No country recognises it's disputed status and therefore cannot be categorised as so on Misplaced Pages. I demand for Ukraine to be all the same colour along with Crimea considering it is so. Db95 (talk) 18:49, 21 July 2014 (UTC)

This has already been discussed at length. Please read the talk page first. Jim1138 (talk) 18:52, 21 July 2014 (UTC)

I don't care if it's been talked about before. Crimea is Ukrainian. The whole argument about "neutrality" is utter rubbish considering 99% of the world recognise Crimea as Ukrainian. Misplaced Pages's going downhill majorly. You should all be ashamed.

Db95 (talk) 18:53, 21 July 2014 (UTC)

@Db95: If you have wp:reliable sources that would argue for changing the map, then please post them here for discussion. Per wp:verifiability, personal opinion and original research have no place on Misplaced Pages. Jim1138 (talk) 19:05, 21 July 2014 (UTC)

Declarations of War and Casualty/Death toll statistics are not censored by Misplaced Pages policy

The following published article on recentism (and WP:Notnews) is presented for review. Misplaced Pages has also earned a reputation as a news source because of its rapid updating of articles related to breaking news.. Normally declarations of war and including war casualty statistics are not subject to deletion under policy for recentism (or, WP:Notnews). FelixRosch (talk) 19:12, 23 July 2014 (UTC)

Cite error: There are <ref group=Lead> tags on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=Lead}} template (see the help page).

1. Mossop, Brian (August 10, 2012). "How Misplaced Pages Won Olympic Gold". Wired. Retrieved 2012-07-05.

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