Russia's actions are simply similar to all the worldwide police actions that the US has been doing way back to the time of the Korean War. Of course, Russia has been doing similar things as have other nations. This one is getting noticed the way it is, because of the US Government controlled media... which is lying and deceiving in all the things they are saying about this Russian police action.
Even after Russia has not used their full force - what would happen if they use their full force.
already there is so much agony there. Why are people asking to use the full force - rather ask them to ceasefire and get rid of the war.
The basic answers to your question are found here
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5402264.msg60369380#msg60369380and here
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5402264.msg60369557#msg60369557The point you have mentioned here is so true - Ukraine has become a playful slap for Russia. And USA used them very nicely. Also EU also played the part.
And this game of tug of war has placed the whole world in so much trouble and stress. USA will not stop imposing their power on other and will keep suppressing others.
You seem to forget the part about the Ukraine "playfully" slapping Russia for all these years... like, "You gave us (Ukraine) our freedom back when the USSR collapsed. Now, we want more."
This playful slapping might have gone on back and forth for decades longer, if the US and other countries hadn't decided to take advantage of a weakened Ukraine.
Russia could have easily overthrown the Ukraine a decade ago. But they didn't, because that's not the way they are doing things any longer. It's the US and Western Europe that are responsible for the troubles. Russia is simply protecting national security.
The best defense is a good offense. Ukraine is simple the playing field for the war between the US and Russia... partly because Zelensky was stupid enough to involve the US in Ukraine/Russia affairs.