I am no fanboy for Putin whatsoever, but he has completely outmanoeuvered the West, who have basically abandoned Ukraine anyway.
I do not believe (will be quite surprised) anyone will be sending troops into Eastern Ukraine where there has been a war for years between Russian separatists and Ukrainian loyalists, but large sectors of Eastern Ukraine are Russian speakers.
Also agree about the economic and political situation in the West, I have never seen it so dire, and as soon as the Fed begins to raise rates, is when the fun will begin. Look for trouble in Europe, much of which depends on Russian gas for energy.
Putin is sitting on top of piles of fossil fuels, and many other commodities which are in short supply right at the minute, he knows he has the West over a barrel. I despair at the political ineptitude our politicians have dished up.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the parlous state of the corrupt political situation in Ukraine itself, and the fact that the West has given no guarantees Ukraine won't be admitted to EU.....or NATO. I still remember the Cuban missile crisis, when the US pushed back against Russia putting missiles into Cuba. The Russians obviously don't want Western missiles in Ukraine.
A lot of Russian (and German) blood was spilt on the steppes of the Ukraine, millions upon millions.
Mostly I just hope nothing really serious develops, the last thing we need at present (or any time for that matter) is another war.
PS @Boabs map @12:21PM says a lot.
And Rick Deckard, Keep your eye out for Roy Batty