[Interesting note: the soldier above with the balaclava is holding an American made M-16 variant, non-piston driven, with likely an American suppressor — perhaps a SureFire muzzle brake and MagPull magazine.  How does this soldier come to carry American equipment?  Man in left background likely an AK variant with muzzle brake.]

Ukraine has made a large step in terms of its defense, and has authorized its military to shoot if threatened by external sources: i.e., Russian troops — of which roughly 20,000 are amassed adjacent Ukraine’s border.  One Ukrainian soldier’s death has already occurred.

Ron Paul actually thinks Putin has the law on his side in terms of invading Ukraine.

Further, Vladimir Putin publicly announced the annexation of Crimea on Tuesday (3-18), denouncing “western hypocrisy” in a “searing speech to political elites” in Moscow that is likely to go down as one of the defining moments of his long rule over Russia.  To wit:

And let us not forget that Mr Putin advocated in his doctoral thesis for a USSR regeneration, by way of energy control.  1989 was one of the lowest points of the former USSR and those who advocate for a musclebound Russian bear.

Because Putin outwardly exudes power and nakedly pushes boundaries, he is now massively popular in Russia.  This is not difficult to understand at all, for those who have a grasp of history.

Mr Obama has pointedly unearthed seven Russian officials for sanctions.  Sanctions.  Right.  That clearly hurt.  Wowzer!

But here’s a bit of the truth: the EU and the US are predominantly screwed with potential reaction to Putin’s inroads.

Russia wants nothing the US has, and the EU is beholden to the Russian Energy Nipple.

Ukraine prepares to ratchet up.

And Ukraine is on the brink.

BZ