The US and NATO - Ukraine Latest

Telegraph: Reports the following on US military moves to defend its NATO allies, " Ukraine crisis: US sends fighter jets to Baltic and increases pressure on Vladimir Putin..America will also deploy 12 F-16 fighters to Poland next week as part of a military training exercise expanded in response to the Russian incursion in Ukraine ".

Lets Get Real:

If the Oval had done this at the start it might have prevented Russia taking over the Crimea, at the least the Oval is being firm, the US is under Treaty obligation to defend its NATO allies, thus this show for force in the Baltic and Poland will show Moscow there are limits to how far it can go, what if there are pro Russian protests in the Baltic States and Putin losses the plot and takes action to protect Russians in these States, that kind of Crisis would make the Ukraine look like a tea party for the OVAL, so it a clear message to the Russian bear, this and no further and keep your claws to yourself or else. 

Obama HELPS Dems in 2014 Mid Terms - 2nd Term Blues

Guardian: Reports on the latest delay in ObamaCare, the article notes the following, " Obama announces further two-year reprieve for old health insurance plans..Decision to grant extension helps defuse a political problem for Democrats in tough re-election battles this fall ".

Lets Get Real:

Your head would spin if your tried to go through ALL the delays in ObamaCare, the latest means that those insurance plans that were meant to be outlawed by ObamaCare have two more years, well in to 2016 Presidential Election, the Democratic Nominee is really going to thank President Obama for that, the article notes that this delay finishes one moth before the 2016 Presidential election, one can see the Democrats demanding not requesting that the Oval in 2016 extend the delay again well past the 2016 and 2018 Mid Term Elections.    Those Democrats in red States, as in Conservative States should feel somewhat happy for this round of elections, but the political damage to the Democrats done by ObamaCare is vast, at some point a leading Democrat will call for or will enact law to remove ObamaCare, its just to much for the Democrats.    The left wing of the Democratic Party might be happy but they do no get you Oval.   

President Obama TALKS to President Putin - Ukraine Crisis

The White House: Readout of telephone call between President Obama and President Putin of Russia, " President Obama spoke for an hour this afternoon with President Putin of Russia. President Obama emphasized that Russia’s actions are in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which has led us to take several steps in response, in coordination with our European partners. President Obama indicated that there is a way to resolve the situation diplomatically, which addresses the interests of Russia, the people of Ukraine, and the international community. As a part of that resolution, the governments of Ukraine and Russia would hold direct talks, facilitated by the international community; international monitors could ensure that the rights of all Ukrainians are protected, including ethnic Russians; Russian forces would return to their bases; and the international community would work together to support the Ukrainian people as they prepare for elections in May. President Obama indicated that Secretary Kerry would continue discussions with Foreign Minister Lavrov, the government of  Ukraine, and other international partners in the days to come to advance those objectives. ".

Lets Get Real:

The above is WHAT the US and the West needs to happen in the Crimea, there is nothing on how Putin responded in the call, the Russians are refusing even to talk to the new Kiev Government, there forces are surrounding forces of the Ukraine in the Crimea, the Russians on top of that are refusing to allow UN or other monitors in to the Crimea, the UN Representative was forced out of Crimea by gun point and needed the cover of TV news to make sure he did get harmed by Russian thugs or forces, take your pick.   If the Crimea goes and becomes part of Russia by popular vote its going to be difficult for the West, it would be illegal under the law of the Ukraine, the question is how do you put Putin back in to his KGB box. 

US Sanctions AFTER Russian Invasion of Ukraine - POTUS

The White House: Statement by President Obama on the Crisis in the Ukraine, " Since the Russian intervention, we’ve been mobilizing the international community to condemn this violation of international law and to support the people and government of Ukraine.

This morning I signed an executive order that authorizes sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, or for stealing the assets of the Ukrainian people.

According to my guidance, the State Department has also put in place restrictions on the travel of certain individuals and officials.  These decisions continue our efforts to impose a cost on Russia and those responsible for the situation in Crimea.  And they also give us the flexibility to adjust our response going forward based on Russia’s actions.

We took these steps in close coordination with our European allies.  I’ve spoken to several of our closest friends around the world, and I’m pleased that our international unity is on display at this important moment.  Already, we’ve moved together to announced substantial assistance for the government in Kyiv, and today in Brussels, our allies took similar steps to impose costs on Russia.  I am confident that we are moving forward together, united in our determination to oppose actions that violate international law and to support the government and people of Ukraine.

And that includes standing up for the principle of state sovereignty.  The proposed referendum on the future of Crimea would violate the Ukrainian constitution and violate international law.  Any discussion about the future of Ukraine must include the legitimate government of Ukraine.  In 2014, we are well beyond the days when borders can be redrawn over the heads of democratic leaders.

While we take these steps, I want to be clear that there is also a way to resolve this crisis that respects the interests of the Russian Federation, as well as the Ukrainian people.  Let international monitors into all of Ukraine, including Crimea, to ensure the rights of all Ukrainians are being respected, including ethnic Russians.  Begin consultations between the government of Russia and Ukraine, with the participation of the international community.  Russia would maintain its basing rights in Crimea, provided that it abides by its agreements and respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  And the world should support the people of Ukraine as they move to elections in May.

That's the path of de-escalation, and Secretary Kerry is engaged in discussions with all of the relevant parties, including Russia and Ukraine to pursue that path.  But if this violation of international law continues, the resolve of the United States, and our allies and the international community will remain firm.  Meanwhile, we’ve taken steps to reaffirm our commitment to the security and democracy of our allies in Eastern Europe and to support the people of Ukraine.

One last point -- there’s been a lot of talk in Congress about these issues.  Today, once again, I’m calling on Congress to follow up on these words with action, specifically to support the IMF’s capacity to lend resources to Ukraine and to provide American assistance for the Ukrainian government so that they can weather this storm and stabilize their economy, make needed reforms, deliver for their people, all of which will provide a smoother pathway for the elections that have already been scheduled in May.

Today the world can see that the United States is united with our allies and partners in upholding international law and pursuing a just outcome that advances global security and the future that the Ukrainian people deserve.  That's what we’re going to continue to do in the days to come until we have seen a resolution to this crisis. ".

Lets Get Real:

I could be wrong, but President Obama has spoken more about the Ukraine than Afghanistan or Iraq, the NEW sanctions are weak, as if President Putin of Russia cares about these sanctions, and the very rich would have gotten their money out before any assets freeze could be a threat.  The Crimea is LOST, the West just has to get its head around that, Russia is not giving it back, its the only warm water base they have and they are keeping it, also its been part of Russia for hundred of years.   The good bit of good news is that the US is increasing its military presence in Poland and the Baltic States, that is a clear message, Ukraine and no further.  The question is what will Putin do NOW, does keep his win and freeze or move for the East of the Ukraine, Putin is a mad poker player but he is winning. 

Afghanistan Front News - Afghanistan Theatre

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier who died on yesterday of non combat action, the Soldier was, " Sapper Adam Moralee from 32 Engineer Regiment ".  Our thoughts are with the family of Sapper Moralee. 

Lets Get Real:

This blog does not know what to say, it has said it before, just feels sad for the families of the Soldiers who have died in Afghanistan, and for what, will Iraq and Afghanistan become like Korea, once out never back in the memory. 

Which side is the UK ON ? - Ukraine Latest

Telegraph - Ukraine Live: Reports the following in its 7.41pm post, " A secret briefing document held by an individual walking into Downing Street has been photographed. It suggests the UK will oppose trade sanctions against Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine....The document also suggests that the UK will not try and restrict Russian trade through the City of London. ".

Lets Get Real:

It would not surprise this blog if the above advice comes from the FCO, they never want to take action, ALL words and hot air meaning nothing, the same people who never support Israel and supported Chamberlain and his appeasement policy in the 1930s.  At what point does the UK take action, when the Russians are on the border of Poland, A NATO country, no one is asking for the West to send in troops to the Ukraine, but the West of the Ukraine could come under Western security, to prevent Russia taking over the entire Country.   The FCO on the whole is not listened to by the better leaders, they represent the weak elite that gave THE UK the 1970s. Time for stern words and brick lines that can not be moved, time to show the Russian Bear that the honey table is off his list, time to take a nap. 

Obama and Russian Sanctions - Ukraine Latest

Guardian - Ukraine Live: Reports the following in its 7.50pm post, " Obama said he expected to work with Congress on a package of economic assistance to the Ukraine and warned Russia of worldwide isolation if it persisted with its aggression, ".

Lets Get Real:

The US will have to lead on sanctions, the UN is frozen with Russia's Veto power, the EU is slow to get anything done, also lot of EU countries get their gas from Russia, thus Moscow can cut off Europe in the Winter.    Every time President Obama has talked about the Ukraine he looks weak, as if he does understand that politics is a winner take all in the view of Putin and Moscow, this is not some Harvard seminar, this is the real world, lets see IF Obama can up his game, his polls have been hit by his weak stand on THE Ukraine, time for POTUS to man up as they say these days.