For me, everything is clear. Europe and America are accustomed to considering themselves the leading countries that can very easily manipulate all other countries. But the pressure on Russia did not begin even in 2014; hatred for Russians is born deep in history. But as the Russians say: "everything that does not kill us makes us stronger" Therefore, the Russian government, feeling another negative influence, as well as a dictatorship from the West, has always understood that it is necessary to prepare for the fact that sooner or later, this abscess of hatred will breakthrough. And as an example of today's events, the Russians were right.
They are ready for all sanctions, as they probably worked out all the situations that could happen in the future. But all other countries, mistakenly taking on the role of head of the world, did not take any action, always thinking that power and strength would always be theirs. But now everyone understands that this Russia is not so weak, for which it was taken earlier.
What do you mean ?
You clearly cannot start a war and send threats to the whole world regarding a nuclear weapon usage if they do not comply and push them in a corner, NO MATTER WHAT.
NOTHING GIVES THEM ANY RIGHT TO PROVE THEIR POWER IN THIS WAY. If they wanted to show their power then they could have gone through other way, by helping other countries, by increasing their country's overall power in a positive way, making good oil deals and making sure they do this in peace and harmony.
This could very easily surge in a world war 3 if they don't stop and at the same time one needs to understand the fact that :
They are already loosing no matter what ! They have lost their respect, their friends, their businesses and they would loose more if they don't stop.
This is a government, not a dictatorship, last time I checked it wasn't named North Korea, was it. I do think that you have to understand that This threatens the whole world, everything, everyone.