Comment by necovek

I think Russia only ever wanted to annex (or really, make into independent states) Eastern parts of Ukraine, even though it attempted to run over all of it (including Kyiv).

Now, Russia has done this already in Georgia: they consider two territories under their occupation independent states, and not part of Russia.

USA does things differently: after establishing military control, it gets local businesses bought out by US companies (investment, right?) while they are struggling, and attempts to influence political landscape.

I'd certainly choose US approach over the other, but ideally, we'd get neither.