Imagine that you live in a poor and corrupt country and Russia/Britain is going to capture your country, whom would you choose? Russian Empire or British Empire? I see America, Australia, New Zealand, UK. Brits captured these countries but they dramatically improved the quality of life there but Russians? Have a look at post-soviet countries: Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, etc. They are still poor and corrupt, and soviet buildings look awful too. If there is an improvement in these countries right now, that's because of the western world.
I don't think you actually believe exterminated Maori, american natives and Aborigins agree with you
Ukraine hadn't been part of Russia for 20+ years at that point. They can do as they please, up to and including not having a pro-Russian president. Try to keep up.
Did you say the same when USA led cup ousted pro-Russian one? Do they have the right to have pro-Russian president?
Let the people vote you medieval landlords.
How would Ukraine like to be part of Russia?? It has always been used as burnt land (Napoleon, Hitler), and even starved to death during Stalin's rule. Of course people that have a clue about history would rather not have Moscow deciding on them.
for Russia the stakes are existential
No. For Ukraine the stakes are existential. Not Russia.
Russia is invading Ukraine.
You're talking about communist utopia kind of world.
In real world, there are only select few countries with UN veto power, and they play by different rules.
USA didn't see Russia as partner after collapse of Soviet Union, but as defeated side in cold war.
We're now looking at consequences, as Russia doesn't seem willing to play that role
That is because the USSR was the defeated part - your beloved communism was unable to hold the pieces together. BTW, debt does not mean a lot when you have the keys to the printing machine.