These news ticker items out of Interfax.com this morning here in Europe indicates something that American Pride if I recall the thread correctly mentioned--Putin/Russia is trying desperately to reach out at any level and "convince" the West they want peace and de-escalation.

If one looks at the Interfax items yesterday two or three things come out 1) they first laughed about the sanctions, 2) then those on the second list started making startled statements, 3) the bank enclosure was a surprise and signaled to them other banks are going to be on the list and the Putin comments to his business group indicates money might just be an issue.

IMO Putin did not contemplate the speed that Russia was rejected out of virtually any international organization of importance to them ie G8, OCSE and virtually all military contact fully cut and it appears to them that now the West is in for the long haul which means for the Russian economy which is struggling itself pain will occur.

What surprised me actually was the capping of all mil to mil contacts which are actually important to the completion of the Russian Army's modernization as they cannot master the concept of shoot/move and the C&C for that which has been a big failure over the years and they were in the process of trying to learn it from us.

That seems to have gotten their undivided attention especially the delaying of the German simulation center which was a prestige object.

March 21, 2014
09:22

Russian defense minister and U.S. defense secretary discuss ways to ease Ukraine tensions (Part 2)

09:13

Russian and German foreign ministers discuss Ukraine events

09:09

Russian defense minister and U.S. defense secretary discuss ways to ease Ukraine tensions