The violence has calmed down in Ukraine and Crimea, but tensions are still running high as Russian troops continue to exert themselves and residents prepare for a vote on Sunday.

But does any of this mean anything to you? Should it?

Ukraine is 5,600 miles from Seattle.

Congressman Adam Smith tells KIRO Radio’s Jason Rantz Show you need to pay attention to what’s happening because eventually the U.S. is going to have to deal with whatever happens there.

“You absolutely should give a damn about this because international order matters,” Smith said. “And to the extent that we start saying – ‘Borders are flexible’ and Might makes right’ – that leads to greater instability.”

Tuesday, Crimea’s regional legislature voted to become an independent state should its residents decide to join Russia in Sunday’s election.

Ukraine’s acting government called for the creation of a national guard to protect against Russian aggression.