There are millions of Russians in Ukraine. They don't want closer relations with the eu at the expense of losing relations with Russia. Russia imported a shit

There are millions of Russians in Ukraine. They don't want closer relations with the eu at the expense of losing relations with Russia. Russia imported a shit tonne of food from the Ukraine until this all started. Russia doesn't want to lose that supply permanently. The current partition isn't the best from a strategic/defense position or from a political/objectives one. So it makes sense to correct that before making it permanent. Negotiations for a peaceful settlement have failed or are stuck. Now (roughly) is the peak demand for Russian gas in Europe so it's now or wait another 12months. And that's without considering domestic political reasons for conflict...