Much of the Russian problem is due to Russia feeling like it is being isolated and surrounded by unfriendly forces: both economically and militarily. Was this feeling justified before Ukraine descended into chaos? That’s hard to say, but with the EU and NATO expansion it seems like there is justification there.
We now know how Obama feels on the subject of Russia’s isolation, from a CBS interview he gave. To paraphrase he said that Putin just doesn’t understand, and all our actions are goodness, butterflies, and rainbows; we only want what is best for the world. And if anyone believes that…something something, swamp land.
This can be seen with the Russia saying that they will pull troops from the border with Ukraine, but at the same time news came that NATO is going to meet in order to build up more troops on the Russian border. Maybe it’s just me, but what is Russia supposed to do with that beyond not move the troops that they said they were going to.
Of course the countries that border Russia are concerned for their safety, and they should be. Given Russia’s belligerence, the fears are justified, but then again so are Russia’s fears that they are being encircled by unfriendly forces led by the EU and the US.
There is no easy way out of this situation, but it would best to show strength towards Russian actions. At the same time though, Putin’s concerns are valid, and need to be dealt with, beyond saying that the US is all goodness, butterflies, and rainbows.