[tcrlaf]

From Russia’s view, after watching what happened in Tunisia, Egypt, and being lied to about what would happen in Libya, with the same actors now active in Syria and Ukraine, exactly what was Putin supposed to do? Accept the status quo?

Too many advantages in Putin’s hand not act, at that point, not the least of which being a weakling US President, not interested in foreign policy.

It’s a Machiavellian world out there, not the world of pretty ponies and shiny rainbow flags, as the US TV would like to portray.

[caww]

This has been coming ever since Cypress when they stole Russian money out of there and against agreements formerly agreed on...Putin has no reason to trust the EU or US...and if you listen to his speech the day they annexed Crimea you hear what ‘s at the heart of all this we see playing out..from his perspective.

You can't avoid war without understanding what your opponent is “feeling” and “thinking “ about....Putin made that clear in his speech going back to all the times EU reneged on their agreements.....it's a good listen even if you might not agree with his talking points..it's what he believes....the Eu and the US are not hearing him...and haven't for a very long time.

[elpadre]

IMO, Putin is in the drivers seat solely because the EU/US has gone “green” whereas Russia has increased its production of fossil fuels (oil & natural Gas.) Green energy has failed and left the rest of the world at Russia’s mercy. At least that is what Putin thinks. He can control Europe simply by raising and lowering prices.

Putin probably didn’t believe the American private sector with it’s fracking technology could overcome Obama’s “Make America green,” and kill the coal industry, full court press for the past five years. It has not, but I think the fossils will win.