Independent? lol I don't know what US is up to, I'm quite sure what czar is up to. The whole conflict in Donbas was fueld by Russia since day 1. He just want Ukraine back. Ukraine's response to their provocations was equally stupid. Instead of banning (russian) language and exluding the minority from social life (what was later exploited by russian politicians) they should let free market work there. School and "official" language always has been the source of violence. Free schooling and market would not lead to this shit.