Months of political turmoil in Ukraine momentarily subsided once President Yanukovych fled the country. But the state of affairs in the region seems as though it is very likely to deteriorate further before it gets any better.   

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine's Crimea region violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine. President Putin has justified his actions on the pretext that Russian citizens are in danger and need to be protected. This shabby deception is fooling no one. And irrespective of any justifications the Russians may put forward it in no way alters the fact that Russian military boots on Ukrainian soil constitute an act of aggression and a clear breach of international law.

The dynamics between Crimea, Ukraine and Russia are complex. Crimea shares a great deal of history with Russia, it is mainly populated by ethnic Russians and indeed it was part of Russian Republic until it was given to Ukraine in 1954 by then Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. A move that seems rather misguided today, though it must be remembered that borders were not as important then as they are now. After all, this entire area and beyond formed part of the USSR and controlled from the Moscow. But none of this explains why the Russians want Crimea so badly that they have risked international isolation by invading it. A look at a map certainly provides some enlightenment as it becomes clear that the peninsula and particularly Sevastopol are of crucial strategic geographical importance to Russia.

The situation is volatile and it is essential that those involved do their utmost to negotiate a peaceful outcome through dialogue. But it is difficult to foresee how this will end. Russian troops are currently present in Crimea and after Yanukovych's ousting a Russian retreat may constitute an additional blow to Putin's considerable ego that some argue he will do everything to avoid.

The question is what should happen if Russia does not heed the calls of international community. That in this day and age a country should behave in this way is unacceptable and allowing it sets a most dangerous precedent that will have severe consequences on international order.

EU leaders must also not forget that origin of this unrest lies with Ukraine's aspirations for real democracy rooted in the possibility of EU accession. Aspirations that Russia has openly opposed and sought to prevent not least through installing Yanukovych as Putin's puppet. Ukraine also disposed of its enormous nuclear arsenal, but only after agreement with counterparts that its territorial integrity would not be violated. These facts together with the impressive bravery demonstrated by the people of Ukraine lead one to feel a greater moral obligation to support them at this time.

Locally, we have a situation where only recently our Foreign Minister visited the country and most inexplicably found all things there to be quite calm and pleasant.  Yanukovych has been invited for a state visit and despite having had to postpone his trip to Malta because of his crisis at home. At the time of writing this article, we have heard nothing from our Government with regard to whether this invitation is still valid or whether, as one would think sensible and appropriate, it has been rescinded.

The situation in Ukraine is explosive. But our position should be clear. The Russian military presence in the country is unacceptable. Moscow's meddling in Ukraine's internal affairs should cease and everything possible should be done to support the people of Ukraine.

David Casa is the PN’s head of delegation in the European Parliament and will be contesting the 2014 MEP elections