Russia is the world's largest producer of natural gas and second largest producer of oil. (It also produces 10% of the world's nickel, which is in short supply.)
Ukraine and Russia between them export a quarter of the world's wheat and half of its sunflower. They are also major producers of maize.
If Putin can get control of Ukraine he will dominate the world markets for both energy and food (think bread, pasta, edible oil and animal foodstock.)
China dominates the world in the manufacturing of everything from tin-openers to smart-phones.
China has stated it stands firmly with Russia.
In other words, thanks to runaway capitalism which seeks profit above national security, the so-called "free world" is allowing itself to be sold into slavery.
Perhaps that will help people to realise that stopping Russia NOW, even at the risk of war, is a better option than waiting a few years and then being forced into a far deadlier war anyway.