You know we probably agree on some things. I hate the EU, and I hate how the Europeans have used us - pressing America to pay for their defense while they built social welfare states that are crumbling (though they’ll continue kicking the can as long as they possible). To give you an idea of how much I hate the EU/Eurozone, if I were Greece I would have simply defaulted and quit it altogether, took the short term hit, went back to their old currency and I’m guessing we may both agree they’d be far better off today.
Still, look at the big picture. The Ukraine is roughly 75% ethnic Ukrainian and has been under the boot of it’s giant neighbor Russia for a very long time. However we may feel about it, the average Ukrainian (particularly ethnic Ukrainian) has had far more recent bad experiences with Russia than they have had with the EU/NATO. Ever wonder why so many of these old Russian satellites are desperate to join the EU even as it slowly collapses under it’s own weight? Because they fear Russia more. Many of these Eastern European/Baltic nations know EU policies suck, but would gladly join if it will keep the Russians at bay. That’s just how it is.
I do understand what you are saying about nations desiring to be "independant"..but they can't without a handout and most are unwilling to do the heavy lifting required, or sacrifice their comfort zone for that. Sink or swim they might do best by going it alone.
However, What is happening in Ukraine has nothing to do with what the Ukrainians want, thought they've been manipulated to believe so. It never was as soon as other nation states got involved.
They were months from the next election, and even early voting was agreed on...so the issue wasn't about what the people wanted at all. IMO...and still isn't...
Those now in office would love nothing better than to have the election ahead derailed, I said long ago it would come to delaying it "for violence", and low and behold Obama said to day the violence was likely going to prevent the election.
Handy for the Current Kiev Government to solidify and consolidate their members within,..which are fully under the US direction. So it's really delaying it so our Gov. can further their agenda for Ukraine. There will be no election until the US has everything they want in place for that to occur....I hate with a passion what our country's leadership has become.
But your post says exactly what I've pointed out...why are we involving our people and our monies on Ukraine....we stand to gain nothing..except of course putting missles on Putins doorstep. Which isn't necessary with the trajectory they do today.