The problem with this analysis is that it's not 24 hours ago any more and Russia has started shelling Kyiv, which only makes sense if Russia is planning to take control of the entire country.
Also let's drop the propaganda line of "protection". Luhansk and Donetsk may have declared independence but we generally don't tend to recognize such claims unless they are affirmed by the host nation. It's also an open secret that the separatists include a significant presence of Russian soldiers posing as Ukrainian "volunteers".
Would you be okay with France attacking Spain to "protect" Catalonia? Ireland invading the UK to "protect" Scotland? A shared language and culture does not grant the right to annexation either, or are you arguing Germany and Austria should reunite and annex parts of Switzerland?
Not approving any of this, from the recognition of the republics to the further attacks and yeah he's obviously gone beyond that protecting the people and is striking Ukraine's army too.
I hope that it doesnt lead to a more widespread war.
It already is a more widespread war. Putin has launched a full-scale aggressive war against Ukraine from 3 sides (Donbas, Belarus, Crimea) + amphibious landing forces.
You should look up sometimes the types of characters, e.g. Pushilin for instance, that Russia installed to govern those territories. They are murderous sociopathic criminals, comparisons with territories ruled by cartel gangs are appropriate. It isn’t governments - its no-limit gangs, supported by Russia.
