If America is allowed a backyard, shouldn't Russia be allowed a backyard too. There was always the danger this would happen if the Ukraine leant to far towards Europe. Europe should have told them to fuck off and not be stupid bastards, instead of encouraging them.
It always seemed a possibility, just as a left leaning democratic government in Latin America is playing with fire if they embrace land reforms etc.
It shouldn't have to be like this but how do you end it?