Yet still ANOTHER motive from Putin, that was never voiced before. Come on, people, Putin’s “justifications” for invading Ukraine change as often as a baby’s diapers are changed. This war is all about Ukraine’s natural resources, especially the Donbas area which has abundant fossil fuel deposits.
Also loads of natural gas to be drilled for and exploited. Offshore in the Black Sea. And close to shore. Donbass = Donetsk basin that was fought over in WW2 for it coal deposits. However fake Tsar Pooty's prime goal is Russian navy access to the Black Sea. For this he must own the Donbass which is on the direct corridor from Russia to the Black Sea.