I have watched several news conferences - Putin appeared to be pretty upset about the US/NATO deployments.
I happen to feel that what he did in the Crimea was war - though undeclared, and I don’t like that we apparently just let him do it with no real objection.
I will be so glad when Mattis and the other Generals are confirmed, so that we can go back to an intelligent foreign policy.
Putin is upset. He is upset because he wants NATO and the USA to cave to his demands that he be allowed to re-establish the equivalent of the old Soviet Empire. He fears that without foreign policy successes and with the decline in his economy due to his recklessness (and declining oil prices) he will finally be held accountable for his 17 years in power. He cannot leave office and not be prosecuted for his many crimes against the Russian people. He’s been able to play to Russian chauvinism card for some time, but that can only work if he pushes up against a feckless foe. He’s partnered with Iran, Assad, and recently has been trying to partner with the Taliban. He’s an opportunist and a gangster statesman.
Crimea was part of Russia for 500 years. They simply took what was thiers. Kruchev “gave” the Crimea to the Ukraine when the Ukraine was in the Soviet orbit so it did not matter. Then 10 years ago or so the c I a toppled the democratic pro Russian ukraiIan govt to encircle Russia and breed chaos.