Ukraine, THE Theater and Museum of World War II

For America, the central question of the Ukraine crisis is not whether Russia can be made to disgorge Crimea but whether Europe can be kept allied on issues pertinent to the Middle East or even pertinent to Europe as Americans understand them.  Unfortunately, some of our presumed European 'allies' are completely dependent on Russia for gas.  Is it reasonable to expect them to live in austere conditions like those prevailing during the 19th century for several years (life without fossil fuels was characteristic of the 19th century) to support our agenda in the Middle East or even in Europe?  Would they be 'cowards' to pursue their own interest which now diverges from ours?  Unfortunately, it is probable that the central question of the Ukraine crisis was decided several years ago by United States military and energy policy.  For example, what ever happened to Ukraine's nuclear deterrent?