MOSCOW, Russia — The world can only wait and watch as Russia continues to move in closer to Ukraine.
The situation feels eerily reminiscent of 2014 when Russia invaded and subsequently annexed Crimea.
"You'll notice there wasn't any fighting when Crimea was taken over,” says Steve Oluic, a retired U.S. Army colonel and expert in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Oluic spent time in Russia and says many Ukrainians, especially those in Crimea, are okay being under Russian rule.
"About a third of Ukrainians are in line with Russia they speak Russian," Oluic said. "There are Ukrainians that don't mind seeing Russia have more influence in Ukraine.”
Oluic told 3News' Lydia Esparra during a recent interview that Ukrainians suffer from a difference of opinion because of their proximity to Russia. But inside Russia itself, he says, "I never felt out of place there, it's very lively. If you are in Moscow, it's like you are in New York City.”
Russians have been affected by centuries of war. But he says no one, including Russians, are interested in any war games.
That is, except for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Putin is a tough actor. Everyone talks about his KGB past but Putin acts on behalf of Russia’s interest," Oluic said.
And what are those interests? At the moment, Russia seems to want to keep NATO out of that region- keep the western world as far away as possible.
And while Ukrainians and Russians will both suffer in any type of conflict, Oluic does say this about Russians.
"Typically, countries nations solidify around a leader at times of stress." Oluic adds.
MORE RELATED HEADLINES: