Russia always said that their interest was to de-militarize Ukraine, and that they are doing better than even they probably thought possible.
That hasn't worked out too well then.
Another self-inflicted strategic failure from Russia.
Territorial/economic gains would seem to be an unanticipated windfall.
Trust me, it was anticipated.
They have more of an ethical obligation than a simple opportunity take it as such, and the people living in the areas they appropriate will be the lucky ones if the last 20 or so years is anything to go by.
So you're suggesting Ukrainians stuck in occupied stolen land that have lost their freedom are the lucky ones?
The citizens voted overwhelmingly to do that in the areas where they had an opportunity to do so.
Voting with a gun pointed at your head is not voting. There's been no voting in occupied land.
All the above is just meaningless Kremlin propaganda.