Russian dishrags

[Reality Check]

An intriguing question is why the Russians are
keeping Yanukovych around and giving him a platform when they consider
him to be a dishrag. One possibility is that they hope to force Kiev
to agree to a unity government in which Yanukovych plays a major role,
and protects Russian interests.

The individual who is now being described by the western media as the regional Ukrainian leader of the Crimea region of Ukraine, was installed just days ago at the urging of pro-Russian armed men who stormed the regional government buildings a few days ago.

This new individual, who was reported early on as being a Russian citizen and Russian businessman, has ordered all Ukrainian government police and Ukrainian armed forces in the Crimea, to take orders from him exclusively, or to resign immediately. The implied threat was that they would be killed or arrested by Russian forces if they did not follow his orders.

Russia has no trouble finding and installing "Ukrainian" political leaders acceptable to the western media

Russia may have a use for Yanukovych if the Russians occupy Kiev, but it is hard to see such a coward having much of a role except to ratify the selection of his replacement as President, and then resigning.

[John]

The difference is that Yanukovych can (and does) claim that he's still
the lawfully and democratically elected president of Ukraine.

[Reality Check]

That, plus a few Russian divisions might get him a brief return to Kiev before he ratifies the individual, hand picked by the Russians, to be his successor as President.

The other reason they are protecting him, is proving they, the Russians, reward thier friends, even when they fail doing Russia's bidding.

The Ukrainian riot police who shot down the protestors were also given Russian passports. Russia made a public announcement about it.

The message is if you fight with us, and kill for us, we will protect you if our side does not win the battle.