If Pootin REALLY wanted the Ukraine, all he would have had to do is send a troop into their capitol and drag all the politicians out and shoot them, and install one of his cronies.
Since the Industrial Era, war is not created because of one country wanting anothers property, as it used to be in the old days.......or taking care of their borders by using force to stop attacks.
Warfare nowadays is an actual political GAME. War makes corrupt politicians money. And LOTS of it.
Doesn't matter how many people die, how much territory is destroyed, or how many toxic chemicals are leeched into the soil and water. As long as the politicians are making their money, they are happy. Death and destruction are just side benefits to them.