Ukraine stuck in the middle of an old feud

Hope springs eternal as wars break out with a general expectation that the mayhem and carnage will all blow over quickly as one side faces facts and withdraws. In reality, conflicts usually drag on into a prolonged state of “violent stalemate”.  The Ukrainians are fighting for their lives and freedom.
“The goal of western capitals – is – to ensure that armed aggression ends in failure, without precipitating a wider war.” (William Hague) 
Russia is tr