By JACKSON WANG
Executive Editor
As Crimea leaves Ukraine to join the Russian Federation, many countries around the world continues to debate on Russia’s takeover of the Ukrainian peninsula, including in Albany. Students at Saint Rose held their own debate on the Crimea crisis on Wednesday.
Organized by the Saint Rose International Student Organization and the Political Science Club, students conducted a model United Nations debate in the Touhey Forum. Fifteen countries were represented by student delegations, including China, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
The debate followed the United Nations rules, which included maintaining a speakers list as delegates speak in the order they are listed. When it becomes the delegates’ turn to talk, they must answer questions and introduce and debate resolutions.
Moderated Caucus was even held, which is a temporary recess with the rules of procedure are suspended during that time period. The debate’s moderator was Jacob Plyter, who used a gavel to keep the discussion in order and on time.
Each student delegation had a nametag and flag of the country they were representing in front of them at their seats.
The debate started with an opening statement from each delegate. Most countries either stayed neutral or sided with United States, who requested Russia to leave Crimea.
The Russian Federation delegation, represented by sophomore Timber McCarthy, was immediately attacked by members of the United Nations. Sophomore Sam Crocker, who represented the United Kingdom, suggested a ban on Russian import of gas if Russia continues to disobey international law.
“We will only begin to trade oil again when Russia complies with international law,” Crocker said.
The Ukraine delegation, represented by graduate student Olena Sadovnik, also delivered multiple blows at the Russian delegation, requesting their military to move out of Crimea. She said the resident of Crimea was basically forced to vote with a gun to their head when they were deciding the fate of the peninsula earlier this month.
“I believe only in the international community putting pressure on Russia to resolve a peaceful resolution,” said Sadovnik, who is very passionate on this matter because she is from Ukraine.
The Russian delegate defended their move by saying the Russian people in Crimea were not protected. Russians make up a large potion of Crimea’s population. She also said the Russian are just “fixing the problem.”
Former Russian Premier Nikita Khrushchev signed Crimea over to Ukraine in 1954. It is believed that is was a good gesture from Khrushchev, who had Ukrainian roots.
“The Russian Federation believes Crimea will benefit,” McCarthy said.
The Iran delegation, represented by sophomore Everett Hart, remained neutral in the debate. But he was not in favor of putting more sanctions on Russia.
“Attacking the Russian Federation doesn’t help,” Hart said.
Russia also saw help from Germany, who backed Russia by believing in no further economic sanctions.
“I think we should be looking for new ways to solve the problem,” said Anthony Chapin, who served as the German delegate.
The Russian delegation continued to defend itself by discussing their role in World War II, helping the allies defeat Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. She also talked about all the people that got freed because of Russia’s role in the war.
The delegation from the United States fired back by saying, “When did the Russian Federation become interested in human rights.”
McCarthy said she volunteered to serve as the Russian delegate and knew what she was getting herself into.
“It’s interesting being the devil’s advocate,” McCarthy said. “It’s a really hard decision to defend right now.”
She said she didn’t have much to work with since the Russians haven’t released much information or statements on their takeover of Crimea. McCarthy said she had about one week to prepare for the debate, which she did so by reading and watching the news.
“It’s hard to defend Russia when you’re watching U.S.-based news,” McCarthy said.
Since the Ukraine crisis began, Sadovnik has been following it very closely by watching the news. So when the opportunity rose for her to debate the matter, Sadovnik took on the role of Ukraine’s delegation.
“I’m behind with my capstone, but I’m at least updated on what’s going on with Ukraine,” joked Sadovnik, who had her fingernails painted blue and yellow, colors of the Ukraine flag. “I’m really amazed by the way people understand what’s going on and the reactions of the international community.”
Not only was this debate a part of social justice week at Saint Rose, but also a part of internationalizing the College, said Provost Hadi Salavitabar.
“When students came up with this idea, I said, ‘I’m so delighted,’” Salavitabar said.
He also said the College has informed a member of the United Nations on what students were doing.
“They’re very proud of you,” Salavitabar said.
