dead_pan, don't forget the Russian space programme. They are the only ones with manned launch capability. The Chinese have the ability but are new to the game. So for now Russia are the leaders of the world in the field of space exploration.
As for any talk of western military intervention, not a chance! The risks of World War 3 are to high.
I still think the logical thing here is to see a partition. Two new nations, ''Western Ukraine'' joining the EU and ''Eastern Ukraine'' going with Russia. It should keep the majority of Ukrainians happy with pro Russian east going east and the pro European west going west.