Agree with most but:

"The Ukraine? (did they get prodded by the U.S?) applied to become part of the E.U."

No prodding needed, and I doubt it happened.

Ukraine (like Latvia, Poland etc.) wants in because they see first hand the benefits.

Too many people vote with their feet and go to work in the west. I know first hand some Ukrainians who come to work even in Poland. (Few years back met a BieloRussian working just outside of Warsaw because it was more profitable then in Bielorussia)

As for Russians and some Ukrainians in eastern Ukraine, also vote in same manner by working in Russia and bringing rubles home because Ukraine is flat broke.

I frequently visit countries from Holland on to Ukraine. Ed.