Russia wants Ukraine to disappear. End of Story.
Pure egotistical driven politics regardless of economics. Geography and economics dictate that Russia's world class gas reserves go to Europe. Politics said don't do it.
Money wins.
Ukraine is the gateway for a lot of Russia gas heading toward Europe. Control of Ukraine = Control of Russia gas to Europe. Nordstream was supposed to minimize Ukraine's "influence" of Russia gas flow.
Russia fucked that up, whether they get Ukraine or not. They are the poster child for demand destruction.
Too bad Russian game theory didn't consider, "... what happens if we invade and don't get Ukraine?" With Sweden, Finland & Ukraine off the table, Russia's "sphere of influence" is going to be down to Belarus. Whopee!!!
Russia's gas market?
The Russia-China proposed gas pipeline, Piece of Shit Power of Siberia (POS), is a $20 Billion, 2500 mile venture, including 600 miles across Mongolia. Russia's gas influence in Eurasia is nonexistent post 2030. Their market is basically China, which has zero dependence on Russian gas. Russia's options are drop your price or keep it in the ground.
Ironically, the end game could be Russia's land-locked captive gas will be a cheaper "secondary" supply source for Europe than the new waterborne LNG, and eventually the Russia gas will resume full flow to Europe, but without the Putin-premium. Cheap pipeline gas backs out expensive LNG, and ...
Money wins, again.
Europe thrives with cheap fossil fuels and a strong renewables. 4-D chess.