With The Unrest Growing In Ukraine, Russia Ponders On What To Do

Worried By Ukraine Violence, Russia Ponders Next Steps -- Timothy Heritage, Reuters

(Reuters) - A Ukrainian protester lobs a burning petrol bomb into a doorway, a police officer writhes in agony on the ground, smoke and flames rise from burning barricades.

Footage of violence in the Ukrainian capital was beamed almost non-stop into Russian homes by state television on Wednesday, accompanied by apocalyptic warnings of civil war next door and accusations of meddling by foreign states.

The pictures tell the story better than any politicians' words, ramming home the message that President Vladimir Putin wants to put across - the violence has got out of hand and must be stopped.

Read more ....

Update: Is Putin pushing for a crackdown in Ukraine? -- Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor

My Comment: There are no good options for Russia on the escalating violence in Ukraine. Ukraine is a deeply divided country where moves for reconciliation and compromise are now ideas of the past ..... and any foreign intervention will only solidify positions on both sides. My prediction .... the violence and protests will continue, the economy will crater (if not already), and in the end .... when this mess is over .... Russia will play an important role by bailing out the economy and providing emergency funding to (I predict) a new coalition government.

As to the possibility of Russian soldiers entering Ukraine .... that option will only happen if Ukraine descends into civil war .... a prospect that is horrifying to even contemplate.

Update #2: Merkel: Putin wants end to Ukraine unrest -- AP

Update #3: What's Happening in Kiev Right Now Is Vladimir Putin's Worst Nightmare -- Julia Ioffe, National Interest

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014