is of vital strategic interest to Russia. Our side thinks in the 21st century mode but Putin is a 19th century man which explains why Obama and all of DC acted stunned when Georgia thought that Eu/Nato would come to its aid because of the Brussels Nato paper and Russia said "no," and simply wrecked Georgia. While the US perceives itself as a peaceful hegemon, that view is not shared by Russia, China, Iran or North Korea. They don't give a big rat's ass about democracy. As far as economic harm to Russia, you will be sorely surprised as to how much pain Russia will bear to protect what they view as a strategic vial interest.
You can follow the NYT as your wont but that article is regurgitating opinions which have been long discussed by 21st century thinkers who fail to look at a 19th century man who doesn't want Nato on his doorstep. It is just that basic and now he has the forces to protect his doorstep which he didn't have when Latvia and Estonia were being turned Westward.
Everything in Ukraine begins with the coup of February 22, 2014.