Russia - threadbanned users in OP

The best and worst thing about Europe is that everyone has open input. This is always misconstrued as countries not being on a level footing.

Where in fact, it's the opposite, and shows transparency in the decision making process (can be very slow though). Russia and China don't have this, so of course they will see it as flawed. Even America doesn't have this (in a European sense), as they have (what is perceived as) a single decision maker (it's far more complex than that, but only controversial bills debated in congress etc... usually get seen this side of the water most times).

Nobody wants to bring in sanctions. Even though sanctions are made out that they hurt one side and not the other, they usually hit both sides, just not equally, and it's Germany's own doing that one of the main sanctions being considered, will hit them a lot too, when they had the chance to diversify energy sources years ago, and Putin knows this.

But back to the point, if you don't think they are on equal footing, you should have a look into where German, French, Dutch, Belgian etc... troops are currently being sent or are already on exercise.

They were never a guarantee anyway, and Russia were told even if they expressed interest, they would need to go through the full process (which takes years).

Anyway, that's a side point and something Putin is bashing for years as his excuse, when the biggest problem is the growing relations between Ukraine and the EU to the detriment of the Kremlin.

Who's flogging the idea ,there has been very little actual discussion on ukraine and nato ,

The Ukrainians said it themselves at one point they would like to be members at some point in the future ,but they have ongoing reforms around the economy and politically to worry about first and foremost .

The most talk about ukraine and NATO is coming from Russia , painting nato as some kind of bogey man planning to invade Russia

For Russia it appears to be. They don't have a Lukashenko in Ukraine (i.e. Yukashenko/Yanukovych).

US interference? You do remember what happened 2013/2014 when Yanukovych got found out, didn't sign the EU statement of intent for trade on the back of pressure from Putin, even though it was voted in by the Ukrainian Government, lost a vote of confidence, then cried wolf and did a legger to Russia?

Gazprom and Nord Stream are just profit to Russia, and thanks to Germany's lack of foresight, it's now leverage.

Your grasping at straws ,

You seem to be very limited in your knowledge on ukraine /Russia over the last near decade

No real comment, as Russia, and the EU would have been doing similar. Had the EU taken charge, the process of an interim leader would have taken longer. Had Russia had their way, you would have Yanukovych still in power. It's just this conversation was taped and used as propaganda.

The above also feeds into the alluding that the subsequent elections were rigged, is that something you buy into too?

Yanukovych ignored his government numerous times, so of course he's going to cry about it when they eventually had the means to go against him.

He was happy to do a runner to Russia, until Russia put him back up to wanting to be President again (you may have forgotten he signed off early elections and also his resignation).

But Ukraine is little russia and part of Russia's sphere of influence. It most certainly is not within USA's sphere.

Infact, if Russia meddled in Canada similar to USA meddles in Ukraine i'm sure Washington would have a big problem with it.

Sounds like you you're the one that needs to do some growing up.

It's called realpolitik.

Sphere's of influence were the invention of the European colonial powers, then uptaken and pursued with gusto by the USA.

Have you considered sending your sons to help them?

US's sphere of influence is much greater than the western hemisphere.

Anyway, it's not just economy that drives such things, it's cultural, military power etc.

With a large Russian speaking population in Ukraine, it will be a long time in Russia's sphere.

I hazard a guess that is actually the protectionsim of the EU and US that makes buying Russian lumber impossible.