“That’s what many said against getting involved in WWI and WWII. The consequences and casualties from acting so late were heavy. Russia has been threatening to invade Ukraine, running feints on the eastern border and playing other little games.
Putin accused Poland of being behind the ousting of his agents in Ukraine. We’re watching to see if the Russian government will follow up the threats with some action, or if it’s only comedy relief like their occasional Bear bomber feints and retreats in our northwest (see funny noises made by propellers).
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Putin is making strategic moves to acquire territory and expand Russian influence.
Playing the west west’s ain’t war stupidity to its limits. Putin will make slow gains here and there, but he won’t start a war with the west, and if he does he will quickly back out with a settlement.
In the end Russia gains territory and the economic influence that comes with it while the west settles for peace.
Putin can do this as long as the west, is unwilling to back up their words and play serous poker. With Europe that line is probably the border of Actual EU member states. With theses united States under Obama it is probably just a little closer to Russia but not far from Europe’s line.
In the end Russia knows they can settle anywhere and still end up with more than they started with. Then in 5 years they can do it all again.