Awesome response from it-ogo. Now I understand exactly where he's coming from, and I respect this position. I can definitely see that it makes sense.

Yes Ukrainians are very nice people. I was so surprised. Of all European nations I have visited, that's among the best I have ever been treated by locals, and it was genuine, not for any gain. It was too long ago since I visited Russia, and very different times, so I can't compare with Russia.

I feel like a detached spectator here, since it genuinely doesn't matter to me what happens, and since I can understand both perspectives.

But it feels unethical somehow, to be very interested in something which has already cost a lot of people their lives, and yet not take a strong position either way.

Quote Originally Posted by diogen_ View Post
Putin knows what to do quite well. He patiently expects for the looming failure of the currently lackadaisical “anti-terror operation” and successive toppling of the “interim government” by angry mobs in Kiev. Then,the newly fledged “right sector” junta will turn out to be responsible for real genocide in some region of Ukraine or other, and he will be able to liberate Novorussia from fascism without any risk of further sanctions and starting off WW3.
Well, if entering Ukraine is really his "secret" objective, then it's a game of poker.
He cannot know for sure what cards will be dealt, or how his opponent will play. He can have a strategy but only God, not Putin, knows how this will end.... ! He has a dilemma at his hands. This is partly a "Bay of Pigs" type moment in Russian political history.

I imagine they have a few scenarios planned out. At least one includes entering Ukraine, in different ways. Plus another plan for how to look after Russia's interests without entering Ukraine...

As for what Russia can lose. Nothing, I think.
The US can never fight Russia in Ukraine, and it seems totally unlikely that Ukraine can put up any resistanse against Russia on its own. Or would even bother much trying. Sanctions against Russia that would actually matter are not a serious option for Europe in 2014. So it's totally down to Putin and the other leaders in RU how they are going to handle this.

I can think of one big obstacle: If the population in Russia turns against Putin because of anything he does in Ukraine. But it does not seem likely. Basil77 said it's the opposite; people are wondering why Putin doesn't move.

On the other hand I don't think Russia (Putin) wants all or parts of Ukraine just to make the country bigger or some kind of safety buffer. This is not the 19th century... There are other ways to control a country than moving borders.

Possibly he wants it purely to stop it from becoming a NATO country or sphere of influence.