This was so meticulously planned and executed by Russia that they even had prepared generators, water tank trucks and emergency vehicles ready to go there if successful. So I doubt too much wasn't considered before hand. Remarkably Putin even had refugee areas in Russia ready to go pending how things developed.
I believe anything written that Russia is weakening in any area, providing for Crimea, or their Military condition is likely the propaganda machine operating by our state dept to off set Russia's propaganda....especially in light of the detailed operations Russia carried out and carries out now. So far doesn't look like they left any stone unturned.....including care of the Military and how they rotate them.....heck they even set a ton of seed for Spring for the farmers etc! On our side...well Obama has said the G-7 only 'suspended' Russia's place in the G-8. which then automatically cut out the Sochi Summit planned for. and we know that most monies were shipped out to China and elsewhere so the asset revenue sanctions havn't done much.
The unintended fallout now is Arab and Chinese investors in the EU are starting to 'withdraw' money and investments from the EU as a result of result of sanctions.
The Arabs are upset with how Crimea went in light of the Palestinian statehood issue.....gripping that in three weeks Putin accomplished what the US couldn't do in years. China of course is now Russia's largest buyer of oil, as of this year, so they're going to protect his interests and theirs. There really isn't anything much the US or Europe can do about Crimea....No matter if we like it or not sure looks like Putin took the World Order by complete surprise and they now have their hands plenty full trying to determine how this has and will change all trajectories going forward. Checkmate on Obma for sure!
Looking backwards...Putin knew then what he was planning....imagine what he must of been thinking when he welocmed Obam to the summit
