As I understand it, Putin re-annexed a part of Ukraine that had been Russian since the mid-18th century, was only gifted to Ukraine as a publicity stunt in the 50s by Khrushchev, and is comprised of 90% Russians who speak Russian, use Russian rubles, read Russian newspapers, and follow what goes on in Moscow, not Kiev.
As I understand it, Putin re-annexed a part of Ukraine that had been Russian since the mid-18th century, was only gifted to Ukraine as a publicity stunt in the 50s by Khrushchev, and is comprised of 90% Russians who speak Russian, use Russian rubles, read Russian newspapers, and follow what goes on in Moscow, not Kiev.