[magpi3]

Not a very good analogy. No western country ever invaded Ukraine. When the Soviet Union collapsed Ukraine was granted its independence without a shot being fired.

A better analogy would be Australia and Canada. Both were part of Great Britain and both became independent after the British Empire collapsed.

[sofixa]

Eh, independent is a stretch. Both have the Queen as head of state, and her representative, the governer-general, has some powers.

Example of the Queen's representative interfering in local politics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_Australian_constitutional...

[throwrqX]

If Australians so wished they could have voted for a republic and to become fully independent several times yet they have chosen not to so far.

[sofixa]

Yes, but that doesn't in any way change the fact that they aren't really independent if an official appointed by a foreign power can dismiss and appoint cabinet ministers at will.

[throwrqX]

Well they are if they can vote to get rid of this official at any time they choose.