So let’s be clear here, Ukraine was part of the USSR, not Russia. Russia was part of the USSR. Russian claims that Ukraine is Russian is totally false. Ukraine proper has existed for at least 100 years and it left the USSR, not Russia, in 1991.
Let's not dwell on historical facts, which are debated by scholars, who are we to participate? The point is that Donbass is filled with ethnic Russians who settled there during the Soviet era, Crimea was 'gifted' to Ukraine during the Soviet era, perhaps there was no caveat attached to the gift, as nobody thought at the time that USSR would one day collapse and Ukraine would want to get a new husband in the form of EU/NATO. So if you at all know Russian mentality, then you would understand that Russia, Putin or be it another President, would never have allowed Crimea to be a part of a westernised Ukraine and in time to have NATO bases located there. It's a matter of principle for Russians. The Ukrainian language is different to the Russian language. Ukrainian traditions and folklore are also different from the Russian ones. There are many similarities of course. What has this to do with what's going on though?
I always have a few kind words to say to our resident Kremlin propagandist. I know how hard you work to earn your 5 rubles per hour.
At least I get paid for a good day of work, your allowance is earned via your lower opening of the digestive tract.
The point is Ukraine is in fact not historically part of Russia. Crimea and Donbas are actually Ukraine. You can see why geographically on a map. But you are right. It doesn’t matter at this point because HIMARS is what actually matter and Russian troops “backward advance” is what matters. All of this NATO nonsense is in your head. This is pure imperialism. The greed of one man.
The result is what matters. Since Europe is shagged without Russian gas, there will be a deal struck on Ukraine, mark my words. The US, being self-sufficient, is encouraging Europe, which isn't self-sufficient, not to reach any sort of agreement with Russia on Ukraine. The real test of European loyalty to the boss, aka Uncle Sam, is coming soon this Winter.
Don’t be so sure about the Europeans and Brits. Allowing the Russians to move east is a true security threat. They will have high prices and deep economic troubles but nothing like Russians moving east with guns. I’d be surprised if they fold.