[ApplegateRanch]

“This really puts into question Russia’s role in the world…They are inviting the possibility of very serious repercussions, on trade, on investment, on asset freeze, on visa bans, on the potential of actions by the global community.”

Yes, I understand that, but what concrete consequences are there for Russia that Russia actually gives a damn about?

[Teacher317]

serious repercussions, on trade, on investment, on asset freeze, on visa bans, on the potential of actions by the global community.”

Notice that every one of those "dire consequences" is economic. They think the world only cares about getting American taxpayer money. They won't dare consider anything other than words or money or symbolism, while Putin plays Risk and gobbles up more valuable territory... in much the same way that Germany gobbled up former provinces and ethnically German territory before slamming Poland and taking the mask off.