I think even the EU is not interested in defending Ukraine.
Russia only wants the Eastern portion so it has a land bridge to Crimea. Russia has no interest on Kiev or the rest of Ukraine. But Biden needs the sensationalism and deflection from his own failures as a leader.
And wouldn’t it be a real win for China if we got engaged in even a low intensity conflict over Ukraine and tied up a lot of our critical assets there while they have their way with Taiwan or even grander adventures while they have the advantage?
Russia has no interest on Kiev or the rest of Ukraine? I wonder. Not arguing with you. Simply saying that Putin’s territorial ambitions might possibly include the entirety of the former Soviet Empire.
Your post is best today.
Only that they do not want NATO troops there.
Then Russia should just build a much bigger bridge where the existing one is (to Eastern Crimea). A 24 lane causeway would be MUCH cheaper than taking even the rest of Donetsk, including Mariupol*, not even counting the two more provinces (Zaporizhzhia and Kherson) between Donetsk and Peredmistne (or Perekop).
Mariupol is about 50/50 ethnic Russians and Ukrainians, with some Greeks thrown in too. It’s also Ukraine’s 2nd largest seaport. Close to 1/2 million people if defense forces are included. No question Putin can take it, and his statements WOULD include it (part of Donetsk), but it could be very messy, and holding it more so.