First - St. Pete is the first city, but not the only city in the plan.  Second - Money talks.. I believe that the skirmish is probably more about the repayment of the loans Ukraine has taken from Russia.  Having a prorussian govt, helps ensure those loans are protected.  also - American wealth in Russia?  Are you kidding me?  What better way than to have a direct flight??

It's all about the Benjamin's  - Like all the other little events this too should solve itself in the next couple of weeks