Ukraine news. Desertion confirmed & Russia to hold large military exercise on border.

via Cir.ca

Ukraine said it was working through diplomatic channels to secure the return of 311 troops it says crossed into Russia in the early morning hours to avoid fighting with separatists. Russia said the number of Ukrainian forces totaled 438, and that they were seeking asylum.

And then this via Reuters.

Russia announced military exercises near the border with Ukraine on Monday in a show of strength as the Ukrainian army recaptured more territory from pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country.
The Russian air force said more than 100 aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, were taking part in the manoeuvres this week in the central and western military districts.
The move could alarm Western powers which have accused Russia of beefing up its troops along its border with Ukraine and arming the rebels in eastern Ukraine, although Moscow denies the accusations.

Plain talk.

The massive desertion of Ukrainian soldiers is confirmed.  No excuses, no spin, the Ukrainian Army had about a battalion of troops run for the hills.

Next this weak brinkmanship that the West is trying on the Russian bear is just making him angry.

I don't worry about a military confrontation but these sanctions can get out of hand and plunge Europe, Russia and the rest of the world into a global recession that will make 2009 look like the good ole' days.

Eyes are back on Ukraine...although China is making a bit of noise in the South China Sea....

China can build whatever it wants on its islands in the South China Sea, a senior Chinese official said on Monday, rejecting proposals ahead of a key regional meeting to freeze any activity that may raise tensions in disputed waters there.
Southeast Asian foreign ministers this week hold security talks with counterparts, including those from the United States and China, in Myanmar, with escalating tensions over maritime disputes in Asia likely to be a major issue.
The Philippines will propose a freeze on all activity that raises tension in disputed waters in the South China Sea as part of a three-part plan at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting, Manila's foreign minister said last week.
The United States, a close ally and former colonial power in the Philippines, has also called on all parties to halt activity in the disputed sea to ease tension.

I have never seen the world more volatile than it is right now.  This business will get out of control and we'll be lucky to live through it...