Interesting article, written without excessive partisanship which is refreshing. I feel Ukraine has been badly let down by idealistic Europeans holding out the prospect of EU entry/convergence only to back away from any real support when Russia inevitably and violently objected. I hope the success of the team in reaching the quarter-finals does help the nation-building which is needed if cultural Ukrainians and cultural Russians are to share a happy Ukraine homeland. As in most conflict zones, it would probably be best if outsiders left those directly involved (which however regrettably has to include the Russian government) to come to some messy but workable compromise, so that stability and prosperity can follow. To my mind, if Russia could agree to mainland Ukraine being free from Russian overt and covert subversion, then Ukraine might be able to agree to recognise Russian rule in Crimea – and fewer people would die. As in Ireland, arrangements for relatively free movement of people between the two countries could help make peace last.