More Russian Threats Toward Ukraine

In a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russian autocrat and walking Napoleon complex Vladimir "Vlad the Invader" Putin demanded that Ukraine withdraw its meager forces from the eastern part of its own country.  He also claimed that, despite evidence to the contrary, that there were no Russian security forces stirring up the rebellion in eastern Ukraine among pro-Russian separatists. Putin's demands come at a time when several Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)  observers are being held captive by pro-Russian separatists, and when additional Ukrainian government buildings are being captured by what appear to be the same Russian special forces without identifying insignia that invaded Crimea earlier this year.

Two days ago, President Obama announced additional sanctions, targeting the billionaire industrialists and financiers in Putin's inner circle if no Putin directly.  The White House acknowledged that the sanctions may not dissuade Putin from violating Russia's commitment two weeks ago in Geneva to work toward a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.