Russia Ups the Threat Level

Stop quoting laws to us. We carry swords. (Pompey the Great, year 82 BC) 

You just don’t in the 21st century behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pretext. Russia is violating its international obligations. (Secretary Kerry, May 2, 2014)

Just when you thought it was safe to ignore the Ukraine and Eastern Europe, while the Minsk II peace accord seemed to be holding, Russia’s president and its leading military leaders have threatened their immediate neighbors and the West in general with nuclear weapons.

America’s and the West’s strategy since the fall of communism, and especially in this century, has been based on economic integration, international institutions, rules of law and soft power. Force and even deterrence fell out of favor.

Needless to say, Russia and Vladimir Putin are following a more old fashion strategy with many new tactics to expand Russian influence everywhere he can and protect its share of influence everywhere else.

And, although the West is stepping up its military efforts, as the head of NATO said recently, a “rotational presence is not a substitute for a permanent forward presence.”

See:
NYT: President Vladimir Putin's dangerous moves
Reuters: Russia blames U.S. for security crises and turmoil in Ukraine
Reuters: Russia threatens to aim nuclear missiles at Denmark ships if it joins NATO shield