Historically is was also a part of Poland. Oh wait, it as also historically a part of the Mongol empire, as was Moscow. This nostalgia for past empires leads to war. What is important today is that the Ukrainians are a separate people from the Russians. Historical imperial Russian rule does not justify Russia trying to reimpose its rule today. The way to peace is for the Russians to fully accept Ukrainian independence.
Just like the Americans going into Grenada, kind of acceptance of independence?