[x]

"I think it's part of a long-term strategy on Putin's part to create a Russian sphere of influence, a Russian bloc," Gates said, adding later: "I don't think he will stop in Ukraine until there is essentially a pro-Russian government in Ukraine, in Kiev."

If the most Russian areas of Ukraine go back to Russia, will that help put a pro-Russian government in Kiev?

Not saying putting a pro-Russian government in charge in Kiev isn't possible, but it seems like Putin has an odd way of going about doing so in the post-Soviet, post-superpower era.

[Marguerite]

"If the most Russian areas of Ukraine go back to Russia, will that help put a pro-Russian government in Kiev?"

[Mike Darancette]

The more pro-Russians that leave the Ukraine the more apt it is to join the EU even maybe NATO. The Russkies may get 2-3 more Oblasts in the East which have large Russian ethnic population without bloodshed. The Oblast bordering Crimea is majority Ukrainian ethnicity.