The whole of Ukraine originally was a part of the Soviet union. From nature it is a very rich country, but not always well managed, especially because of extreme corruption. In November 2013 they were in a very bad situation economically, among others because of the corruption. Both Russia and Europe then gave them very nice development offers. The offer from Europe was the best, probably because the Europeans were interested in the natural resources. When president Poroshenko rejected it, there became a revolution on the Maidan square. He was no longer accepted, and finally he left the country and his position. People in the east of the country had a very close connection to Russian people, especially in Krim, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Krim was originally a Russian area, transferred in 1954 within the Soviet Union by Khrusjtsjov to Ukraine. In 2014 they held a vote, participated by 83% og the population. 97% voted for retransfere of Krim back to Russia since Ukraine was no longer a part of the union. The people shouted with joy in the streets when the Russians came back. Since that time the area has been very peaceful! No doubt, it belongs to Russia.
The people of East Ukraine were promised a popular vote of whether they wanted to remain in connection with Russia or not. Considering their relations one can understand that they wanted to remain connected to Russia. 80% of the population spoke the Rissian language, indicating that they or their origin were Russians, and they had family there. When the vote was rejected, the civil war started. It lasted for 8 years and killed 14000. Then finally Putin involved in the war after expressing that provided voting was allowed and they were kept free from NATO, there would be no continuation of the war. This he has repeated ever since, but no, it was never accepted!
Now the terrible war has continued for nearly 5 years ever since, creating enormous damages and killings in both the countries. Obviously hence, even if Putin is also a bit stubborn, we Europeans are to blame, preventing normal and very understandable democracy. We know that the day we accept democratic popular vote, the war and the danger of the world is past. I must confess that I feel extremely ashamed on behalf of my country. How about you?