Ukraine has abundant resources; coal, iron ore, and an agricultural segment that is very rich. It has strong industry with the huge Arcelor Steel mill, the Antonov aircraft company and others. Over 200 American companies do business there. I believe Russia wants them back and will try to take them over in time.
“I believe Russia wants them back and will try to take them over in time.”
Russia this past month moved six divisions of the Red Army into Crimea and they’ve also moved three armored divisions into the Bryansk region. They’re clearly posturing to attack and invade not just part of Ukraine but all of it.
I suspect they’ll do so in late February or early March as that is historically one of the best times to start an offensive in that part of the world.