Putin and Russians want their place on the world stage, but the US is Regina George (Mean Girls reference) and won't let Russia sit with US.

Russia isn't an innocent angel, but the US track record is far more deadly. There are two sides to every story, but most Americans refuse to see the US for what it is - an imperialistic oppressor. Has the US been provoking Russia since expanding NATO in the 90s and intervening in Ukrainian elections in 2014? What are the US' objectives? Does anyone feel safer with two nuclear powers flexing their biceps?

The way you describe Putin's actions toward Russians, isn't any different than the way the US treats Americans. Always money for the military and wars, yet won't invest in the nation's failing infrastructure, healthcare, education, etc. The US military protects capitalistic interests at the expense of the world, and we'd be foolish to believe its interest in Ukraine is any different.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. xo