UKRAINE - Crisis From the International Front

IMO we are overlooking that Putin perceives the overthrow of the Russia-friendly government in Ukraine as a direct threat.  It is NOT about economics.

"Crimean call for vote on splitting from Ukraine prompts international opposition" (Part-2) PBS NewsHour 3/6/2014

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  The Crimean Parliament announced a referendum on whether the region should join Russia or remain part of Ukraine, but the newly formed government in Kiev pushed back, calling it illegal.  President Obama criticized the upcoming vote and took action to restrict visas and place financial sanctions on Russians behind the Ukraine invasion.  Hari Sreenivasan reports.

"UN Ambassador Power:  ‘Russia is looking at the path of political and economic isolation’" (Part-2) PBS NewsHour 3/6/2014

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  UN ambassador Samantha Power points to the hope of greater economic ties as a critical leverage point for the United States in persuading Russia "pull back from the brink."  She joins Gwen fill to discuss the new sanctions announced by President Obama against Russia and how giving that country an "off-ramp" to deescalate the Ukraine conflict could be more appealing than the cost of economic and political isolation.