they speak. There are all types of of intertwined histories countries have. Most modern day Ukrainians view themselves as Ukrainian, with a distinct identity and culture apart from Russia.

Anyone who thinks Putin cares about 'protecting ethnic Russians' or 'is afraid of NATO' or other such issues is deluded. He will accept nothing less than Ukraine cleansing itself of Western influences and becoming a puppet state of Russia. And note his opinion has shifted around on this, as in 2002 he stated that Ukraine was a free country and could join NATO if it so chose.