At the very least, Putin has caused enough destruction in Ukraine, that any oil profits would have to go into rebuilding cities, rather than doing the kind of development that could make Ukraine an important modern European country. What a damn shame!!
What is most astonishing is the fact that so little has been mentioned about the whole Ukraine has petroleum reserves issue, and the places where they are constitute the precise main target of Putin’s massive attacks.
Putin doesn't need Ukraine's oil and gas per se, he needs to prevent alternative sources to Europe. Just as he blocked the Qatar-Turkey pipeline through Syria, he is blocking Ukraine. Ukraine joining the EU and replacing Russia as a source of gas and oil to Europe would not just have an effect on Russia's economy, it would greatly reduce Russia's geopolitical influence. If anyone should be willing to fight for Ukraine, it's Europe. This is the 2nd time Putin has blocked them from alternative sources of gas. It's not just about oil and gas, it's about power and global influence.