Basically, this crisis stems from Ukraine being deeply divided. The west is mainly Ukrainian, the east is mainly Russian, and they vote that way. Further:
The US promotes "democracy" around the world, toppling regimes and installing leaders that will be pro west. This is a threat to Russia.
NATO expansion is a threat to Russia.
EU expansion is a threat to Russia.
Russia has made it clear that putting Ukraine on the western side of the ledger in the global balance of power is an absolute no-go. Just like we would be apoplectic if China set up shop in Canada and Mexico.
Despite Ukraine NOT being of vital interest to the US, and it IS of vital interest to Russia, we keep poking the bear.
There's more in the video, good stuff. He's possibly a little naive on some topics, like thinking Obama and others are just 21st century people who can't comprehend why Russia would have an issue with their actions. There's more going on under the surface that he doesn't catch. He also doesn't go into much detail about the protests against which he said the Ukraine govt overreacted, if you want more on that watch Ukraine on Fire. But otherwise a good talk.
Basically, this crisis stems from Ukraine being deeply divided. The west is mainly Ukrainian, the east is mainly Russian, and they vote that way. Further:
Russia has made it clear that putting Ukraine on the western side of the ledger in the global balance of power is an absolute no-go. Just like we would be apoplectic if China set up shop in Canada and Mexico.
Despite Ukraine NOT being of vital interest to the US, and it IS of vital interest to Russia, we keep poking the bear.
There's more in the video, good stuff. He's possibly a little naive on some topics, like thinking Obama and others are just 21st century people who can't comprehend why Russia would have an issue with their actions. There's more going on under the surface that he doesn't catch. He also doesn't go into much detail about the protests against which he said the Ukraine govt overreacted, if you want more on that watch Ukraine on Fire. But otherwise a good talk.