Putin hasn't been trying to increase his sphere of influence, unlike the US and the EU. Putin seems more interested in keeping up the status quo, which to me is a more preferable situation.
Think about it - how would the US like it if Russia would station it's armies in Mexico or perhaps do military practice in this country?
Note that the US has army bases all across the world and instability in many countries has been caused by US policy. Policy which seems to be guided mainly by business interests:
Wait, you don't consider entering Crimea to be increasing his sphere of influence? Even if you consider that justified, surely it's still expansionist?
Crimea was already solidly within that sphere, covered as it is by Russian military installations. It would be nice if the rest of Ukraine could enjoy the benefits of self-determination, but it isn't clear that increased USA involvement is the best way to achieve that.
Think about it - how would the US like it if Russia would station it's armies in Mexico or perhaps do military practice in this country?
Note that the US has army bases all across the world and instability in many countries has been caused by US policy. Policy which seems to be guided mainly by business interests:
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/04/15...
- http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB100014240527023038518045795605...