Ukraine

Agreed. But in the world view of Putin, Russia is a great power and the states in Russias orbit of influence are their vassals to do with as they please.

And if then colonial oppressors come along and start to tell these countries they have the right to freedom, self determination and all that nonsense, that disrupts the right of Russia to loot and pillage these countries.

So when Ukranians said "no" to Russia, they needed to be hammered back into their place. And it is all the fault of the west for getting these stupid ideas into their heads.

Same with Trump. Everyone knows his reputation. So of you are dumb enough to do work for him without getting "cash up front", you deserve not getting paid. And shame on the Justice Department for then getting the idea that he should be held to account.