Understanding All Sides To The Conflict In Ukraine

There are more sides to the conflict in Ukraine than appear from most articles on the subject. As the situation continues to devolve, it becomes more important to identify and understand the players in this conflict. Unfortunately, much of what the opposing sides say to discredit each other is true, but the situation is far more complicated than usually appears. There are two sets of corrupt oligarchs, two sets of disillusioned and frightened common (or not-so-common) folk, and there's an unfortunately powerful fringe. There are also two main external groups involved in the conflict. Altogether, there are eight discrete groups or sides involved in the conflict, and while four can be lined up on the side of Ukrainian unity and independence, and the other four as more-or-less pro-Russia, if we allow ourselves to think of each group separately and examine the needs and wishes of each, we'll gain a much deeper understanding of the conflict, as well as some insight into possible resolutions.