So says Westmeath Security and Defence Analyst Declan Power.
A midlands military expert says continued Russian involvement in Ukraine is driven by a post-soviet, imperialist mentality.
Security and Defence Analyst Declan Power says the Kremlin expected to retain influence over Ukraine after independence and is now deeply perturbed by the prospect of it joining NATO.
It comes as the US puts 8,500 soldiers on standby to step in and support Ukraine if Russian forces make a move to invade.
The Mullingar man says the conflict revolves around Ukraine's right to sovereignty:
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