Ukraine is heating back up...did you really think this was over?

via Kyiv.

The military activity of Russian-terrorist troops in Donbas continues increasing. Over the last 24 hours, the most heated area was the Pisky – Avdiivka stretch (including the Donetsk Airport and Opytne). During the day, the positions of Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of Pisky were shelled 7 times, including 4 fire attacks from 120-mm mortars.
Additionally, the advanced positions of Ukrainian troops in this area were attacked by a group of terrorists supported by 4 armored vehicles. As a result of the firefight, the enemy lost 2 motor vehicles and 1 armored combat vehicle (MT-LB). During the clash, the enemy supported their unit with two ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft units and several mounted grenade launchers (AGS-17 “Plamya” [Flame]), in an attempt to suppress the defensive fire of the Ukrainian unit.
The insurgents are commonly using the following tactic in their attacks: a group of 10-15 insurgents (less frequently, 25-30), supported by 1-2 mortar details operating 120-mm or 82-mm mortars (sometimes also supported with 2-4 armored vehicles), makes a concealed approach to the advanced positions of Ukrainian troops to reach the effective range, and delivers a brief fire strike. In these “raids,” the terrorists, in addition to small arms, are armed with heavy machine guns and mounted grenade launchers, which they are using in an attempt to quickly create fire superiority and suppress the retaliatory actions of Ukrainian units, which are mounting a defense at the advanced positions. Less commonly, the attacks use 2-3 groups, one of which is always employed for cover or fire suppression of the enemy.Shelling by Russian-terrorist troops was also observed in the vicinity of Opytne,Mayorske, Leninske, Troitske andKrymske (in 4 instances).

Read it all here.

My take?

Forgive the vulgarity but its really simple.  When Putin looks at Obama, Merkel and the rest of the Western leadership, all he smells is pussy.

Additionally, if Russian propaganda is what they actually believe, then they place the entire Ukrainian drama on the US State Dept, and think that they're acting to protect their interests.

The end result?  The Obama Administration is tied up trying to get a deal done with Iran.  They need Russia and Putin knows it.  That's why he can be provocative right now.  The sale of S-300's to Iran?  The intensified maneuvers/combat in Ukraine?

The Russians have the West right where they want us.  We need them and they're willing to take the pain of sanctions to achieve their goals.