[djao]

Gas isn't easily shippable like oil. Most of Russia's gas is in Siberia, inaccessible for purposes of shipping to Europe. Ukraine holds the only other gas reserves in Europe other than Russia. Gas supply is inelastic, meaning that even minor competition can lead to a big drop in prices. So yes, Russia "needs" to keep Ukraine out of the European gas market.

[racional]

Yes, there's an incremental point to be made about the location of the gas reserves.

But to get to the real point here - why do you keep defending the actions of a blatant 19th century-style imperialist bully, as if it's some kind of calm, rational actor?

That's just, you know, doing what it needs to do?

[hot_gril]

Is invading a country to maintain a gas monopoly not bullying? It seems far-fetched that this is their entire reason, though.

[djao]

You are wrong. I am not defending Russia's actions. I am explaining Russia's actions. Big difference.

Putin is a greedy son of a bitch. This is not a defense. It is an explanation.

[racional]

Then you could perhaps be more precise in your choice of actors here:

In particular -- Russia most certainly does not "need" to dominate its neighbors. It's just what the current regime feels it needs to do to maintain its chances of survival.

Big difference, as you say.

[djao]

You're deeply misreading the English language. When I say "I need my phone" I am obviously not claiming that my phone is necessary for basic survival. There are different levels of need, and there exists a level where Russia (believes it) needs Crimea.

[racional]

Disagree fundamentally with the idea that countries hold "beliefs" about anything.

Political figures and other individuals with their hands at the levers of power, on the other hand, do.

[hot_gril]

You're nitpicking the words. It's common to refer to the government of a country by the name of the country when talking about government actions.