This was a mistake by the rioters.
In the case of a truly anarchic situation, this will allow Russian-Ukrainian separatists to appeal to Putin. Would Putin be crazy enough to try to carve out Eastern Ukraine away from Ukraine the same way he intervened and carved out 2 provinces from Georgia? It’s a disturbingly similar situation. In the East, they’d probably welcome him with flowers.
The rioters should see they are not gaining anything by upping the ante to full anarchy. This is where I’d wonder if Putin has agents provocateur working among the rioters. Full anarchy favors Russian interests, rather than an intelligent opposition that amicably achieves greater independence for Ukraine.
