US and Europe also trade with and invest in Ukraine, to the tune of billions.
They (US and Europe) also trade with Russia; billions.
This whole thing is nothing more than the West wanting Ukraine to submit to joining the EU.
Do you know who Jack Heller is ? Do you know who Michael Bleyzer is ?
Ukraine has billions of trade going with US and Europe - for twenty years; Putin and/or Russia has not stopped that trade.
RUSSIA IS TAKING PART IN THAT TRADE.
Russia became a shareholder in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 1992. Their capital subscription to the bank is about 1.2 billion euros.
The US is a shareholder, in for about 3 billion euros.
The EBRD is funded by borrowing; it sells debt on the world market.
Russia is no doubt interested in keeping its navy base - it has been their navy base since 1783, back when John Paul Jones was working with the Russian Navy.
If US and EU consider economic sanctions, Russia has the means to retaliate. What Russia asks for is RESPECT. One doesn’t treat the biggest country on earth and a nuclear power like a sattelite country. If Obama, EU and NATO want to play in the bear’s backyard and poke him in the ribs, the bear might get annoyed and strike back ...
One thing I wish is Russia to put an end to that private club of UN non-elected profiteers who’re getting fat on peoples’ back, while preaching globalism and considers itself to be “the government of the world”. Indeed, a member of Security Council with veto power can completely neuterise the council decisions, and budget. The US never dared do it, but Putin might, he’s got the balls for.