Here's how I see it.

The European Union views Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence. It's right next door, the
vaguries of history mean that Ukraine enjoys fluid boarders with Poland. Russian gas to keep
European homes warm courses through its pipes. It's a cheap and pleasant place to go on holiday. It
isn't part of Russia any more. Naturally young people look west (though the Slovaks do a fine job of
keeping Ukrainians out!). It is a useful buffer state against Russia.
Russia views Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence. Historically the greater part of it has been
part of its empire. Many of Ukraine's citizens speak Russian as a first language and look east.
Russians have family in Ukraine and vice versa. There are economic and political links. At best it is
a buffer state against the west. The west is out to threaten Russia. Many (including I believe Putin)
view it as a Mickey Mouse country.
The US views it as part of its sphere of influence. The whole world is its sphere of influence. The
whole world must acknowledge the god given right of the US and its way of life. Russia is still
viewed as somehow dangerous and must be contained because it opposes America's attempts to rule
the world.
I have no patience with the invasion whatsoever and I believe Putin is a dangerous, narcissistic
psychopath. But I cannot release the west from blame and I feel they have been manipulating
Ukraine as cynically as every country was manipulated.