[bert]

So, why is the eastern and Russian region of Ukraine Ukraine and not Russia?

It would seem that Putin’s objective is to reclaim that which is essentially Russian.

My thought is that he will succeed and there will be some diplomatic falderal and nothing will actually come of it. Putin will achieve his objective.

The second phase of a Russian Ukraine controlled government is a different story. Since there is no effective government or governments in Europe with the means or will to resist, Putin may succeed there as well.

Then, so what?

[Sacajaweau]

I'll bet 50% of the older adults in Ukraine, particularly in the Donbass area have/had Russian parents and/or grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

I wouldn't be surprised if Ukraine comes around and asks to join Russia.

[M. Thatcher]

why is the eastern and Russian region of Ukraine Ukraine and not Russia?

In the early 1900s, my great-grandparents emigrated from Russia. ALL of their papers say so, as do their applications for U.S. citizenship. They had to foreswear all allegiance to the Czar of Russia.

They were from Kiev.

Now it's spelled Kyiv, and it's in Ukraine.