He seems to be saying that Russia/the US reaction is probably morally wrong, but completely expected behavior. And the moral aspect isn't worth considering as history has shown that great powers usually act out of strategic interest not moral consideration.
Yeah, it'd be great if great power politics ended. Ukraine trying to change to the US's side isn't going to end them.
That's what the two people talking past each other felt like to me. A journalist trying to force him into a sound byte that ignores his entire position.
If you are trying to decide how to exert influence on how your country should react, rather than being a passive observer, the moral aspect is worth considering.
If you are merely a passive observer, you aren't worth considering.
/sarc
At some point, though, boots on the ground matter more than words.
The Russians have evidently reached that point.
As best I can tell, this conflict was entirely, completely, utterly avoidable simply by Ukraine following the terms of the Minsk agreements[0], voted on unanimously by the UN (including Ukraine and Russia).
Why Ukraine chose not to live up to their written agreements is anyone's guess. In hindsight, it looks pretty stupid. It's almost like—when you don't live up to your word—people stop caring what you have to say.
Those were the agreements that said Russia wasn't allowed to pump money and weapons into the separatist regions of Ukraine, yeah? Huh.
Well then, too bad Russia's fucking the invasion up so utterly. Whatever replaces them will be a whole lot worse for it.