The United States doesn't have any influence on the situation in Ukraine. Obama should stop making threats he can't back up. The administration needs to put America's checkbook away. The American people should let the President and the Congress know that under no circumstances are American troops to be put in harms way over Ukraine. America has spent trillions on the defense of Europe since the end of WWII. Let the Europeans work this one out on its own.

Indeed, America is too busy funding, training, and supporting terrorists in the middle east and elsewhere, installing dictatorships around the world, and protecting "freedom" in africa, and elsewhere. We spend already a lot of money on sustaining army bases in more than 60 countries around the globe. We "don't need no ukraine" in the mix. We are too busy spreading democracy elsewhere....right? riiiight...

Let's see. The overthrow of a democratically elected government by armed mobs, including masked neo-Nazi's, is a shining monument to democracy. The corresponding takeover of government offices in Simferopol by masked gunman who have seen the deposition of the government they elected is a provocation and illegitimate.

The Kiev coup is justified by the fact that Yanukovych was corrupt. The new government is led by the party of the one-time "gas princess," who despite the fact that she used to look like Princess Leia was no slouch in the personal enrichment business.

Gee, and here I thought his parliament sacked him.

Ahhh silly America

ahhhhhh ikr silly america BUT PPS GOOOOOOO OBAMA CARE

i guess they a alittle bit of pocket change left to stage the coup in Ukraine it seems

Where are you getting your information? It's been made exceedingly clear over and over again that NO TROOPS will be sent to the Ukraine. How many times do they have to say it? The weapon of choice for this situation is economic pressure which in post-Soviet Russia can be very powerful. The President is following that course and attempting a diplomatic solution to this crisis. In the meantime, the Ukraine is in dire economic condition. They are on the verge of becoming a "failed state" in the middle of Europe. Please do a little homework and look up "failed state" and you will understand that a billion dollars to prop up the Ukraine economy is money well spent for the security of the world.

And this does what for a country with $60 billion in debt due this year alone? With an economy stuck in recession and not enough oil to make it through the winter? In terms of Geography and influence Russia holds all the cards.

Yep, Russia has the oil and gas. But doesn't the Ukraine have the pipeline to Europe?

you'd think that... but if they had all the leverage they wouldn't need to unilaterally occupy Crimea

Russia's Black Sea Fleet is situated right in Crimea and has enabled Russia to control Crimea from within...they were always there.

I'll be the first to admit I'm confused. Russia should have all the cards here but someone who has control of the situation does not send troops in.

No matter how you look at it, something is going on here -- if it were normal activity, normal Crimeans wouldn't notice anything. As it stands now, military bases are full of Ukrainian troops, surrounded by unidentified troops, which are themselves surrounded by pro-russian militia. Me thinks Putin might have something planned that even the pro-russian Ukrainians wouldn't support.

So really 'funny' to read all comments here from peolple from across the Atlantic who get well-censored and anti-Russia-programmed information from the media. To better understand the role of Putin and Russian government in the situation around the Crimea and South-East Ukraine one has to get full understanding of Russian history. That is what everyone here and among Western politicians ignore. And one more point here. Would u like to have a state professing and practicing fascism right at your state boundaries? Since they already use terrorist methods would u love to get another 11/9? For Americans fascism exists only in schoolbooks and they never had a chance too face it on their territory with its terrible massacres, extermination of the local population, total devastation. Here in Russia there is no family that didn't lose there relatives in the battles and starvation of WWII. So, before charging others try the same experience? No? Then be careful in attaching labels like 'invaders' on those who protect their ethnic population from murderes sponsored by your government. And history shows that Russia will survive. We have everything to survive in case of economic and political blockade. Not sure western economies will stand a heavy blow if Russia refuses from the dollar-based settlements.

Sorry, I choked laughing when you said 11/9...

And I'm reading your argument, I've read RT articles, and I just plain am not convinced. We see a fearful Russia acting unilaterally during a period of confusion. Again, like I said, if Crimea is that dangerous, we wouldn't be against if Russia went in and evacuated its people from the area.

And I don't think Russia would support some other country moving troops into its territory on the rationale of protecting its citizens.

If u choked lauphing at my mentioning the ugliest terrorist attack in TheMightyUS history... well... your choice)
Again I can only advise u to read more about Rus history and find out which territories have been its part for centuries. Now speaking of mere evacuation of people u show full ignorance of the matter. Why on earth should we give up our land? And America or any other country has never had any exclaves on Russian tetritory to speak about any violation of human rights there and sending troops to protect them. US authorities have destabilizes the world through triggering conflicts and 'inspiring' radical and exteremist nationalist groups with the only aim of getting possession of cheap oil. This is a really great achievement of humanism. US puts itself in constant danger of terrorism by going deeper into bloody ops all over the world. Strange that it breaks u into laughter.
And actually no one here across the ocean asks what you, your citizens or your president is for or agains. No one gave u the right to decide what is right or wrong for other countries. Of America's business it will be when an agressor attacks YOUR territory. Everybody is really fed up with your 'vital interests' in every little corner of the world. As for now you pres should pay more attention to stabilizing economic and financial systems. Now it looks like a global crusade is a cheaper way out of the crisis for US.

no, I was laughing cuz its 9-11... I was like 'the heck is 11-9? convinience store??' 'ooooo, he means 9-11 hahaha' and so on. Stop fighting the US. It's not us you have to worry about. Turn your attention back to your potential allies and be more transparent at what Putin's thought process is. A lot of people in the region have power and don't want to lose it over a disagreement with Moscow.

Afghanistan was clear. We were pissed and we weren't about to let some desert nation tell us no. Iraq was discussed with the international community for months and pretty much everyone agreed to at least look the other way. Ukraine has riots and suddenly Russian troops arrive and Crimea becomes a part of Russia? If not NATO, they'll at least make their own alliance to protect against Russia dominance.

Yeah, I got that. It's just 9-11 has become a name, more than a date so it was odd, even from someone in another nation, to call it something different. :) I'm good now.

Yes, they are definitely protecting their own interests in the region, With a weak leader and riots in the streets Yanukovych leaving created a power vacuum that brought about the response from Putin. Any way you look at it a pro western government was not going to settle into his backyard.I just don't think we have any Influence inside Russia's neighborhood ,its just saber rattling on our part. The military exercises seemingly have been halted and with the return of the troops to their bases we will see how this plays out.

So is China going to jump in this "economic blockade"?

Not hardly. China just cut its own deal with Russia for Gas and oil.

china tiptoes this crisis. they hope someone can stop russia but everybody is just standby.

Good read, ML, but highly underrated by those who hate Obama more than they fear Putin. I will add:

One of the major reasons the USSR collapsed was because of its brittle, paper-thin economy trying to match the US on military spending. Russia is making the same mistake. Though both countries are foolish for spending so much on weaponry when their societies are in such dire need of modern infrastructure investment, one of them can definitely outlast the other.

I believe the US and Russia are both long overdue for big changes as they navigate the 21st century. The difference is American citizens have more experience with self-rule and consequently are further along the road to self-realization. As a result, the US will travel a less traumatic route into the future.

What does that mean for the Ukraine crisis?

It means that Putin has already driven Ukraine into the arms of the EU and NATO with his Crimean incursion; it means Ukraine is a much harder nut to crack than Georgia was; it means the Russian economy cannot handle the strain of a prolonged conflict and the sanctions that will accompany it; it means other trouble-spots such as Chechnya and Georgia may take advantage of the situation; it means underestimating the stamina and willpower of the United States is never a good idea; and it means if Putin doesn't come to his senses he's going to find himself on the wrong end of a revolution.

If the USSR collapsed because of its brittle, paper-thin economy trying to match the US on military spending, and we are 18 trillion in debt due in large part to military spending, aren't we going to collapse at some point?

Well said. Russia needs to get to the 21st century, though, before they can begin navigating it. I sincerely hope that Europe sees past their economic connections with Russia and does the right thing. I'm afraid for the folks in the Crimea that this may drag on for a while. Putin is a dinosaur but he's a slick one. It concerns me in a situation like this that the constant and irrational criticism of the President from the Republicans is seen by our enemies as a weakness and that more countries will test us because of it. I worry that we've reached a point where right wing intransigence and self-interest is putting our national security and our world position at risk.

Typical leftist. It's perfectly fine when you criticize Republicans but you CAN NOT take it when they return the favor. I don't think you have to worry about Russia. Thanks to the left wing nazi tyrants who have a stranglehold on this country, the US will be in Civil War before long. Crimea is Russia so I suggest you learn to live with it.

Putin is not so dumb as to plan this event and ignore the likelihood of economic sanctions. He's smart enough that it probably even works into his plan in some way.

Mr. Putin not only suffers from severe short man syndrome...he comes from a regime where economics were ignored until the country fell down around their ears. I think you give him too much credit for thinking that far down the road. He's a 19th century empire builder who wants to be seen as the new Russian strong man. Not too surprising in a former KGB agent from a country that is now largely run by the mafia.

cool story about economic,from country which have 16 trillion debt,and print money from nothing.

Obviously you have never been to Russia since u have such poor knowledge of the current situation. Your citing the cold war anti-Soviet cliches is best proof of it. It's a real mania or fobia to see a KGB agent in any Russian or an empire builder in a strong polititian whose international rating is somewhat higher then that of Obama. And... we're not building an empire. We're returning what never was Ukrainian. The Crimea and South East Ukraine are historically Russian regions. So, try to learn history first and get rid of the 'witch-hunting complex'.
BTW. Russia does not print roubles with such fantastic speed as US does)

I apologize for that little girl. She doesn't represent all Americans. Most Americans respect Putin & want peace with Russia. I only wish that the US had a President who was strong & intelligent. The leftists have a president who thinks that the US has 57 states. Obama is NOT my president. Respect from the US & congratulations on reuniting Crimea with Russia.

So by you it's perfectly OK to invade a sovereign nation, illegally force an election. Just strong leadership, eh? Well...then why bother having international law? We'll just all take what we want. I've been studying Russia since the dissolution of the Soviet Union....following the change to their version of a free market economy. I'm afraid all I have for reference are articles written by economists, experts on Russian culture, historians etc. I'm sure you know much more than they do. Besides, it doesn't take a genius to recognize severe short-man syndrome when you see it. Putin is a bully and a throwback in 21st century/ rest of the world terms. Maybe in Russia you're fine with a 20th century political agenda but then maybe you've been eating government propaganda for so long you no longer question anything.

1. Who invaded an independent nation? Russia didn't even send additional troops to the Crimea despite the fact that under Russia-Ukraine agreement we are eligible to place up to 25.000 of our troops in the Crimea. Ukraine proper is out of the question.
2. You really believe that Russia forced an election there? This 'highly professional' opinion imposed by your highly engaged and thorouhly censored media and based on a strong anti-Russia sentiment in not new and has nothing to do with reality)
3. Is that an American speaking about international law? By what part of their bodies did Clinton and Albright think creating the Kosovo precedent? Well, in your place I would be ashamed to mention US' sticking to the international law. Especially considering your gangster style in the Middle East crusades.
4. For better understanding of the current geopolitical situation and our policy about the Crimea u need to go a bit deeper than just into the very short period of Russia's post-soviet history. At least from the reign of Catherine II under whose rule the Crimea was integrated into the Russian Empire.
5. For sure, highly qualified historians and economists have all migrated to the US and give their expert opinion here))) And in Moscow there are crowds of polar bears in 'ushankas' roaming the streets) Once again... it is high time to make your mind free from witch-hunting time cliches.
6. Sorry to disappoint you but as for now it is Mr. Putin who drserves the highest score as a political leader. The fact that Russia is no longer a begger like it was under the traitor Yeltsin irritates the West. Sorry but u have to take it as a matter of fact. And take it easy) To judge about how much the agenda resembles or not that of the 20th century u have at least to live here for a couple of years. Following your line one can easily say that US and Co have returned to the cold war style portraying Russia as a global invader.
7. To get the idea of what the bastards who seized the power in Ukraine really are I can draw a very vivid parallel. I'm sure u perfectly know that radical nationslism and racism are practically identical in their nature. Americans have'n come face to face with facsism (the extreme form of radical nationslism) other than in 'Valkiria' with Tom Cruse starring, on the pages of school books and the Pearl Harbour attack (not very significant blow compared to what other nations suffered from Nazis). Now just imagine the KuKluksKlan activists marching under Barack's windows in the WH shouting that all Afro-Americans must be exterminated in their mothers' wombs. That is what your 'poor new Ukrainian lesdership' (absolutely illegitimate in terms of the so much admired international law) is doing in relation to ethnic Russians, Jews and Poles. Sorry, but supporting Nazis and gangsters is a very good characteristic of the American 'values of democracy'. So, it's a big question whose agenda corresponds to the notion of democratic values.

Just to clear up a misconception.....I'm not anti-Russian....far from it. I have Russian ancestors. I'm anti-Putin. Period.

Sorry but no one believes the lie that the masked and armed soldiers in the Crimea are local defense people. No one believes that a referendum conducted with armed masked soldiers standing around is valid. History would support the idea that the Crimea would want to split off and go with Russia. Fine. Their choice. But this could have been done within the bounds of international law. No one was threatening anyone despite the con that Putin is trying to run. Of course even a lawful return of Crimea to Russia would amount to screwing the Tatars.....again. But Russia has made it clear over many decades that the Tatars don't matter to them. I suppose Putin can just send them to Siberia.....again. The difference between Crimea and Kosovo? The genocide going on in Kosovo was not imaginary.....like the supposed threat to Russia leaning Crimeans. And the US didn't move in and annex Kosovo. Putin is an ex-KGB thug and no amount of perfume or propaganda sprayed on him will change that. After all....Putin is a person in high office. He'll still have all the benefits of that. It will be the average people of Russia, just getting their economic footing, who will pay for Putin's move. Didn't I just see several thousand Russians marching in Moscow AGAINST what Putin is doing?

lol ... a cia staged coup is what forced putting to take action in crimea ... before you blame russia for it's actions .. you should take a good look at the west and it's involment in the ukranian conflict .. they are the ones who started it

The coup in Ukraine was instigated by George Soros & encouraged by Obama & the State Department. It is 100% the fault of the US. Now, they are crying like babies because they don't like the result. They need to grow up, sit down & shut up.

You've been sucking on the Russian propaganda machine so long you can't think for yourself anymore. Sad

no i just have my own brains .. unlike you it seems

US is the true agressor .. breaking their own rules when it suits them .. attacking everyone who want's to distance himself from a toilet paper called dollar ...

Boy, Putin does live rent-free in your head doesn't he, little nazi? Grow up, child.

No he's just protecting ukraine from CIA staged coup and western thieves and murderers

In part it will raise the price of oil. He may sell less but he will profit more.

Invest that billion to prop up a pro west government and watch Russia go to work. I would say I do not understand how liberals are so unable to connect the dots, but their great leader did say the cold war over and Russia is no longer a threat.

Yup....he said that. He was wrong. And of course he's the first President of the US who ever said anything that turned out to be wrong. Sad that the only thing the Republicans have to offer is "I told you so". Nothing constructive. But then they haven't had anything constructive to say since 2008....just name calling and criticism. For your information, the Ukraine is on the edge of becoming a "failed state". As a liberal I know what that means but you might have to look it up. A failed state in the middle of Europe invites exactly kind of lawless opportunism as we currently see in Ukraine on the part of Putin. A billion dollar investment to prevent a nation from collapsing is well worth it.

LOL. Romney tried to tell him back during the debates but, as most liberals, Obama already knows all there is to know about everything and his [Obama] opinions are facts. So if I tell you to move because a train is about to hit you and you don't and end up getting hit by the train, I guess you could call it an I told you so moment when I say I told you that you should have moved. (I know that sentence is a train wreck itself, so spare me the grammar lesson. I'm too tired to write right.)

I'll forgive the scattered sentence....happens to me all the time. But I'm not sure I can let the "I told you so" slide. When you're more rested I'd be interested in hearing about any politician you know who never got something wrong. Also you make my case about "I told you so" being all the conservatives have to offer. Still waiting for something constructive......anytime.....I'll wait.

Whatever Drone. You are just the flip side of the tea party coin. The President also said there was a LINE that Assad could not cross. Yes, I used the caps because apparently you think when something is in caps, it MUST be the truth.

Isn't it interesting then that President Obama's policy led to Russia hastily jumping in to remove the chemical weapons from Syria's arsenal. Mission accomplished, don't you think. And without bombing innocent Syrian civilians to get it done. Your need to blame President Obama for everything creates fuzzy thinking. I'm actually a moderate Democrat who disagrees with the President on some issues. Name calling, by the way, only indicates you have no real arguments to offer.