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.
My view is that what Putin realistically wants, is just a guarantee that NATO will never station troops in Ukraine, nor ever be a member.
Now of course, occupying Ukraine would be the easiest way to insure it.
Kind of like why Hitler invaded Norway and the Low Countries, he figured if he did, he wouldn’t have to worry about the Brits having bases there.
Can there be some kind of agreement where Putin can trust that NATO wouldn’t go back on their word to never admit Ukraine as a member and stage troops there? That’s the rub.
Look at it from Russia's point of view.
How did the US react when the USSR put missiles in Cuba?
Russia sees NATO expanding eastward. All this talk of Ukraine joining NATO has helped destabilize an already unstable situation with breakaway factions that want to align with Russia.