Video -- Kerry: Economic War, not Ground War

[moriah]

John Kerry: Repercussions For Putin 'Act Of Aggression'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Western powers on Sunday prepared a tough response to Russia's military advance into Ukraine and warned that Moscow could face economic penalties, diplomatic isolation and bolstered allied defenses in Europe unless it retreats.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin gave no indication that he would heed the West's warnings. Hundreds of armed men surrounded a Ukrainian military base in Crimea. In Kiev, Ukraine's capital, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk alerted allies that "we are on the brink of disaster."

Secretary of State John Kerry said he has consulted with other world leaders, and "every single one of them are prepared to go to the hilt in order to isolate Russia with respect to this invasion."

<snip>
Beyond economic sanctions and visa bans, freezing Russian assets, and trade and investment penalties, Kerry said Moscow risks being booted out of the powerful Group of Eight group of world powers as payback for the military incursion.

The headline doesn't go into what his plans actually are, so watch the video.

Relax. They've got this.

[1000words]

1. Europe better get used to being cold

I'm dubious of the U.S. economic viability to wage/endure economic warfare, as well.

[moriah]

2. By ourselves? No. With the cooperation of the international community? I think so.

Kerry explains, in my opinion, pretty well the many options there are besides military action to make a country understand it just can't invade its neighbors in this day and age.

It sucks, no question, but Russia is bringing this on themselves... and if Europe is worried enough about this, they'd certainly rather a cold than a hot war I'd think.