Currently there is an obvious strategy by the Russian government to widen its influence on Ukrainian policy making through controlling pro-Russian regions of that country using political and military means. It is a part of a larger goal to regain control over what was a Soviet sphere of influence in the past. It is important to deter such influence in that part of the world and to provide protection for the new government in Kiev. There should be an adequate and forceful strategic response by the US government that will draw a clear boundary in the region that will prevent a further extension of Russian aggression.
Please consider deploying a limited amount of US forces in the region and taking preventive measures that will create obvious limits for the Russian influence.