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The history of independent Ukraine is characterised by the relatively peaceful handling of ethnic & linguistic conflict potential, despite the fact that approximately one quarter of the population belongs to ethnic minorities & less than half of the population has the state language as its first language. This is not explained by skilful government policies but rather by the patrimonial character of the Ukrainian polity that is softening the excesses of Ukrainisation policies, the cultural affinity of Russian & Ukrainian cultures, as well as the general passivity of the population. The Ukrainisation campaign of the Ukrainian government has been very ineffective & Ukrainian culture is in 2001 more endangered than in 1991. Given the growing economic dependence upon Russia & declining support for Ukrainian statehood, support for Ukrainisation policies is narrowing down. The Crimea is a case apart because this peninsula is not part of historical Ukraine & few Ukrainians live there. Moreover, the Crimea is disputed by powerful forces in Russia. Conflict between Crimea & Kyiv could be contained partly due to the inability of the Crimean elite to unite & to govern the region adequately, therewith eroding support for a separatist agenda. Adapted from the source document.