But even you do not argue with his conclusions. Which no one has contradicted.
Ukraine is not a vital American or even European interest. Its the economic leper of Europe. Only a fool would want to militarily occupy a bankrupt country. And Russia can certainly do great damage to Ukraine through the economic leverage it already has over that country.
The bottom line is Russia will not live with an anti-Russian Ukrainian regime on its borders. Any one who thinks they will have to put up with it needs a reality check.
I think your point is valid. Russia does not want to absorb Ukraine but to control it politically and economically. We will not do anything but draw a red line and make useless commentary