Russia supports self-determination only when it is in its interest.
![Tatarstan politicians repeatedly made visits at Moscow's bidding to win over Crimean Tatars, write the authors [AFP/Getty]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014417104447837734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)

Ildar Gabidullin is a journalist from Tatarstan, currently fulfilling Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellowship in Radio Free Europe's Tatar-Bashkir service.
Russia supports self-determination only when it is in its interest.
![Tatarstan politicians repeatedly made visits at Moscow's bidding to win over Crimean Tatars, write the authors [AFP/Getty]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014417104447837734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Why did politicians from Kazan pay frequent visits to Crimea recently?
![Tatarstan's regional president Rustam Minnikhanov has visited Crimea a couple of times in recent weeks [AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2014314144646554734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)