[rbmillerjr]

What we know for certain is that the Ukrainians do not want to be aligned with Russia.

Actually, almost nobody does.

[Mariner]

“What we know for certain is that the Ukrainians do not want to be aligned with Russia.”

What we know for certain is that those in Donbas and Crimea most certainly DO want to be aligned with Russia.

By large majorities.

And they are willing to fight to preserve that association.

As for the other counties, maybe not. Except probably Odessa.

[billakay]

The Crimeans most certainly did (and thus aligned), and the people of the Donbass also most certainly do. The quality of life they can achieve under a free, stable Russia is exponentially better than anything they can have under the Ukrainian regime. In Russia you can raise a family in peace, and have a good quality of life. In Ukraine it is almost impossible.