From my limited perspective, I think the powers in the back rooms of western nations believed they could bring Russia into the more liberal world by engaging in trade with Russia. With Russia more prosperous, both its people and leaders would be more reasonable as world citizens.

There were warnings that Europe should not be dependent on Russian oil and gas. But the powers pursued with the liberal agenda. Even though this game was lost, it was a worthy goal. Keeping Russia isolated would have brought the same result.

The question is what happens when the dust settles. Should we trust Russia again?