How can you hold "peace talks" between two arguing parties without inviting one of them to the table?

It disturbs me that the Ukraine is claiming to hold "peace talks" with the protesters and not inviting leaders from the Pro-Russian separatists to join. Yeah, most of the separatists are probably Russian military, but the leaders at least seem to be real Ukrainians like the one taken to Russia to treat his wounds. Instead of talking with him, they capture him?

It also is puzzling why our side continues to push this war. "Russian troops are near their border." And our troops are just near Russia's border because we are defending NATO nations. Excuse me? Russian troops are officially still in Russia and our troops are next to Russia (not still in the US) and yet Russia is starting a war?

And, oh, sorry if I don't buy that Vietnam is rioting against China on its own conveniently after our President went to SE Asia and stirred up trouble there, pledging to support SE Asian nations against China. Thankfully, Vietnam seems to be the only one that took the bait (well and the Philippines because they are allowing more US troops there).

So, what can we expect by this? Higher gas prices for one.  Many people think that once Russia supplies China with gas and pulls the rug out from supplying the EU, the US will get all that business. Actually, if you have been following the Keystone Pipeline phase 4, you will realize that Canada (not the US) is being primed to provide it. However, that won't be in effect for several years - they have to put in a pipeline over the world's largest natural aquifer and a fault line first. Hope people like a little oil in their water...

Anyway, in that time when Russia stops providing gas to the EU and Canada can being supplying it, we can expect our gas prices to skyrocket even higher. Why the democrats and republicans alike (primed by promises of a German President who has been in a little longer than I like) have decided this China/Russia standoff is going to help us (I can practically see the dollar signs in all our politicians eyes) I don't know. I am sure most of them are betting that Russia won't fight back.

I certainly hope that Russia won't fight back, but if they just roll over and take it, I think Putin will deserve the next Nobel Peace Prize. Maybe we should take President Obama'a away from him and offer it to Russia? But I'm not holding my breath on this. Putin has shown he works strategically. He will only use as much force as necessary to get what he wants. Unfortunately, if he doesn't go the Peace route it will only destroy the rest of the world.