Obama has a "cumulative" grudge on Putin for not only Ukraine but also for Snowden, Syria, Iran, and other issuers, and he actually coverts to impose even those sanctions that can backfire and harm not only Russia but his big corporations. On the other hand, EU states are too effete and hedonistic to be ready to sacrifice their comfort and profits for the sake of Ukraine, but they still need to react somehow on "border shifts" to save their faces in order to finally found themselves on the right side of history. Hence, Putin has to meander to reach the dream of his life, and his moves are very, very cautious and full of disguise. It's A Long Way to Tipperary Novorussia but slow and steady he wins the race...))