Actually, I think it’s a little of both. Putin is old-school KGB, and may miss the good-ole days. Also, I’m not sure the people have really adjusted to the “freedoms” offered up after the collapse. Many longed for the structure, such as it was, under communism. There was at least some level of stability in knowing that you would need to starve this week because bread was non-existent. The country has not completed the transition. (Just as a side note, the Soviet population was in total shock to learn the Stalin was not a hero, but a mass murderer. And this was back in the 80’s.)
When you have a Russian economy that is tenuous and the people are just as uncertain, you need resources (and perhaps a skirmish) to bring everyone onboard. So yes it has to do with ports, resources, etc., and the Ukraine has been a dynamo in resources for decades.
I think Putin uses the “power” he needs to to keep the otherwise criminal element in line, KGB style or not it works on this type of people...as well as any who oppose the direction he has wanted to take the nation. Hard ball is just that and he's not afraid to use it. We would do better if we'd play that with our own criminal element here instead of catering to them!
"Freedom" in that part of the world is not easily grasped for what it means...it comes with responsibilities these peoples have not had to account for, rather the public has had decisions made for them. As I've mentioned before...it's rather like an abused woman learning how to live without remaining a victim....which they often return because there is a certain degree of comfort in the familiar...even if it's hurtful at times.
I'm currently listening to a video series on Putin that's quite revealing as he's generally kept his accomplishments and his private life just that private. so few really know the man himself outside of his workings in Gov. and the KGB. Frankly Putin is exactly what Russia needed to pull Russia back up.....rather like we needed Cowboy Bush when 9/11 hit....though many bashed his speech the Islamist understood him very well.
I think it's always wise to study nation leaders we're contending with or even for that matter negotiating and dealing with.....Putin's certainly a character...as is Poroshenko and the 'other Oligarchs' playing in this geo-political theater....who also remain behind the scene... though it's 'very interesting' to see where they pop up in political circles once you identify them....surprisingly so.
Putin , and for the most Poreshenko knows every one of them...so they've got at advantage...Obama doesn't and few in EU do.