One theory that’s been advanced is that the deposed Ukrainian government was exactly like the Russian government. They were both based on criminal activity. The show of force by Putin is really a show for the Russian people. Putin and his regime had to do something even if it flirts with severe financial impacts on the Russian economy. He knew Zero would piss his pants.
He could not allow the Ukrainian people to set an example for the Russian people. I think there’s more going on than we know. Putin is up against a people that won’t piss their pants, nor throw a temper tantrum.
“300 Soldiers of the Ukrainian 62nd Fighter Regiment were told to return to their base by Kiev after being confined to their quarters by the Russians. This morning their commander marched he’s soldiers up to the Russian line, where they have cordoned off the Control Tower and the MIG 29 fighters stationed around the airbase.
Whether brave, fool-hardy or whatever the Ukrainian soldiers marched up to their airbase carrying the Ukrainian Flag together with the Banner of the former 62nd Soviet Fighter Regiment, singing the Ukrainian national anthem
and other patriotic songs.
The Russian soldiers fired a couple of warning shots over their heads, as the Ukrainian soldiers approached. The Ukrainian officer promptly stepped forward and tried to negotiate with the Russians explaining that they need to return to their base containing all the maintenance shops, etc.
Note - The Ukrainian 62nd Fighter squadron was formally the Soviet 62nd Fighter Squadron based in Crimea before the breakup of the Soviet Union.”
http://www.expatua.com/forum/index.php?topic=13285.135
I think his primary concern in Crimea...he could let Ukraine be independent, but not with the Crimea.