Demonstration of fear

If someone could tell Vladimir Vladimirovich that politics was somewhat similar to his beloved judo and that a fighter - if this is a real fighter - should not show the opponent what he is actually afraid of, then this stupid miscalculation with Plutonium blackmail would not have happened. Because the matter, of course, is not in Plutonia. The fact is that Vladimir Vladimirovich clearly and clearly made it clear that he was really bothering him. That he is not satisfied with sanctions. That from the "antisanctions" problems primarily in Russia, and not in the West. What does not suit him when his officials, confused in the deaths of Magnitsky or in the occupation of Ukrainian territories, cannot go abroad. That he is furious when he sees the strengthening of NATO positions in the east of Europe.

Yesterday, Putin's well -wishers in the West claimed that there was no sense in sanctions. That they still do not act on Russia that they are mocking all the "Iskanders", and even introduce in response "antisanctions" that destroy the Western economy. And the problems as a result only among Western businessmen, and not the Russian leadership. And the most radical ill -wishers said almost the same thing, but with a minus sign: that these are no sanctions, that Russia does not calm down that Putin does not pay attention to Western measures and we need much more serious steps.

Now we know that all this is not so. That he pays attention. That all this is very bothering him. That he is looking for opportunities for weakening sanctions - and does not find. Because it is clear that the story with plutonium is not at all what can affect the Americans. Of course, they don’t have such “Iskander”, but they also know how to laugh.

Now it is clear that sanctions are weapons. And it works. That this is a collar that holds back the Russian ruler. And from those who hold the leash in their hands, it depends, weaken or increase pressure. The predator is caught, frightened, bewildered. The difficult process of training begins.

That is why now, when Putin and Assad are rampant in Aleppo, in the western capitals they discuss whether to introduce new sanctions against the Russian leadership - already in connection with Syria. Yes, in the new ones and there is no need - it is enough to simply save or strengthen sanctions on the Donbass and Crimea.

So the paradoxical situation will develop. Putin climbed into Syria to be able to neutralize the consequences of his Ukrainian adventure. To talk to him, they began to reckon. And at the first stage he seemed to achieve his. The Americans said so: we will talk to Syria - despite the fact that it is not acceptable of Russian behavior in Crimea and in the Donbass. But now they say the exact opposite: we will talk to the Donbass - despite the fact that it is not acceptable of Russian behavior in Syria. And this means that the pressure on the Donbass can be used to change behavior in Syria - and vice versa.

This vicious circle - or rather, is still a collar, the collar is also round - Putin made with his own hands. And he also made a leash himself when he admitted to his sanctions fears.

It remains only to put him on the chain.