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March 27th, 2014
09:33 PM ET
Russian troops amass on Ukraine border
According to U.S. officials, the tally is now up to 40,000. A Ukrainian official puts the number much higher at 88,000.
U.S. intel: More likelihood Russia will invade eastern Ukraine
Was Crimea only the beginning? Will Russia President Vladimir Putin invade eastern Ukraine? U.S. officials tell CNN Putin can act with little warning. CNN's Karl Penhaul is near the Russia, Ukraine border with the latest on troop movements.
I often think why is Mr Putin came to vehement defense of Mr Yanukovich? The world knows that Mr Yanukovich stole from his own people and was not a worthy president. Alone association with the corrupt politician such as Yanukovich would cast shade on any other politician. Yet Putin is a stern supporter of Yanukovich. Does he feel threatened that Ukrainians who shook off corruption may encourage Russians to shake off Putin and his buddies from power?
Putin is worth 40 bln. It is very hard to believe that an ex-USSR official could come into such wealth in such a short time. As far as I know he did not inherit any of it. Stole it from his own people? It makes him as thick as thieves with Mr Yanukvich. This explains everything. I just got a letter from my cousin in Russia. Her salary was cut because she had to "donate" one salary to support Crimea now. Crimean cities are assigned to Russian cities for "brotherly help" as if Russian salaries are conducive to be lavishly shared in a pseudo-patriotic rush. Mr Putin could easily help Crimea out f his own resources without inconvenience to Russians. Since he needed Crimea so badly let him stand up to it.