[Cossak]

Greatest threat to Ukraine is its economy. They indebted 9 billions $$ to Russian banks, 1.8 bln $$ to Gasprom, 140 bln $$ to Western financial institutes. Without 40 bln financial help in current year they will have very serious problems. Protests in Kiev were caused by dissatisfaction with low living standards and corrupt oligarchic government. Now all social expenditures will be shortened drastically, taxes will be greater as main conditions to acquire IMF loans. Current government is no less oligarchic than previous while all governmental structures are in disorder. I wonder who is ready to invest is such basket case. Not big asset to wage war for. May be China only has enough money to save failed state with 45 mln populace.

[dfwgator]

y. They indebted 9 billions $$ to Russian banks, 1.8 bln $$ to Gasprom, 140 bln $$ to Western financial institutes.

So what happens if Russia offers to forgive the debt in exchange for Ukraine going into the Russian fold?

[Gabrial]

Good post.

Ukraine is unable to pay Russia back in cash and is an economic basket case.

There is no money to field an effective defense.

For the next three years Putin will foreclose and repossess the parts of the Ukraine he wants. Obama will continue to show the flexibility he promised.