[Synaesthesia]

The USA certainly tried to, but were rebuffed by the superpower of the time, Britain.

Anyway, back on topic, I don't think the corruption in Ukraine can be denied. Its every hit as bad as in Russia, and it could also be a wealthy country.

It's slightly more democratic than Russia, but only slightly.

[nickpp]

How many distinct leaders in the last 20 years did Ukraine have and how many Russia?

It’s not just "slightly" more democratic.

[Synaesthesia]

How many journalists have been killed? It's actually comparable, as is the level if oligarch dominance of the media and many aspects of life.