Thursday, August 28, 2014

The West Does Not Know How To Respond To The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to the media after talks with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Minsk, Belarus August 27, 2014. REUTERS/Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool

Russia Advances Into Ukraine, West Wonders What To Do Now -- Howard Lafranchi, CSM

Instead of pulling back from the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Russia appears to be escalating its involvement. More sanctions seem unlikely to bend Russian President Vladimir Putin.

WASHINGTON — The toughened economic sanctions the United States and the European Union imposed on Russia a month ago over its actions in Ukraine appear to have had little of the desired impact.

Instead of pulling back from the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Russia appears to be escalating its involvement. On Thursday, Western officials asserted that more than 1,000 Russian soldiers have crossed the border into southeastern Ukraine to bolster beleaguered pro-Russia separatists.

That action quickly raised questions concerning what more and what kind of action the West is likely to take in response. And the quick answer appears to be: not much.

Read more ....

My Comment: This Russian incursion/invasion into Ukraine (in such an overt manner) caught everyone by surprise. I expect a more robust reaction from the West by the end of next week when western leaders meet at the NATO summit in Wales.

Update: Let us hope that when all is said and done .... this does not happen .... Nato would be powerless to stop a Russian invasion of Eastern Europe, says top British general (Daily Mail)

2 comments:

James said...

"Nato would be powerless to stop a Russian invasion of Eastern Europe, says top British general"

It's about time someone in authority started to tell the truth. WNU, I don't think Eastern Europe is in Putin's sights. There would be no upside for him to go west into NATO area of interest. For him it's south and east that should be his top priority, in other words the old socialist republics that are heavily Islamic and of course China.

War News Updates Editor said...

I agree. Eastern Europe is not in Putin's sights .... they even have zero interest to influence Belarus. The focus is on Ukraine, Caucasus, and Asia.