The following Wayne State University professors are available to provide expert commentary and analysis on Russia sending troops into the Ukraine peninsula of Crimea:

Alisa Moldavanova, assistant professor of political science, lived in Ukraine until 2007. In 2004, she participated in the Orange Revolution and in 2005 she joined the Ukrainian democratic government. She has a doctorate in psychology from a university in southern Ukraine. Moldavanova has conducted research on military exercises in the Black Sea Region and given guest lectures on politics, regional identity, political transformations and state building in Ukraine. She has also written the essay, "The Promise of a Professional Army in Ukraine: a Myth or Reality." USA Today has quoted Moldavanova on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Aaron Retish, associate professor of history, can discuss the history of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and in particular the history of Crimea. He is also closely following the Russian media and Russian state's perspectives on the situation.

Brad Roth, professor of political science and law, can talk on issues of Ukrainian sovereignty.

Saeed Khan, a lecturer in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, can talk about the Muslim population of Crimea and its interaction with Russian strategic objectives in the region. The Muslims of Crimea are a significant demographic group and may play a role in the ongoing turmoil.

Kevin Deegan-Krause, associate professor of political science, can talk about internal politics in Ukraine and the E. European region in general.

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