Moscow (CNN) -- Russia's tactics in Ukraine are difficult to pin down: The Kremlin categorically denies Russian troops are fighting alongside rebels there, or that the sophisticated weaponry being used against Ukrainian government forces is supplied by Moscow.In fact, there's mounting evidence of both.NATO has released compelling satellite imagery -- dismissed by Moscow -- purporting to show Russian forces crossing the Ukrainian border.Last week, the Ukrainian military even captured 10 Russian paratroopers inside Ukraine.The Kremlin said the troops had accidentally crossed from Russia while patrolling the long, porous border that separates the 2 former Soviet states.
But while questions about Russia's tactics remain, its strategy has become more clear: The Kremlin appears to have decided to prevent Ukraine turning West and leaving what Russia regards as its sphere of influence.That means denying Ukraine membership of Western institutions like the European Union, and NATO.What's more, the Kremlin appears determined to achieve its goal regardless of the cost.
International sanctions imposed on Russia so far have damaged the country's economy, sending the Ruble to all-time lows against the US dollar, but have had little impact on Kremlin policy.President Vladimir Putin continues his support of the rebels in Ukraine, even increasing it, according to Western officials.And he continues to enjoy soaring popularity, with approval ratings of well over 85%, according to opinion polls.How to stop Putin and prevent a descent into all-out war, then, is the central question with which Western officials are now grappling.There's talk of further "costs and consequences" -- the words of President Obama -- but there's division on what further sanctions can achieve.Taking the World Cup away from Russia, chosen to host the next event in 2018, is being discussed and may send a powerful symbolic message of isolation to Moscow. But few expect it would force the Kremlin to change course.
Moscow (CNN) -- Russia's tactics in Ukraine are difficult to pin down: The Kremlin categorically denies Russian troops are fighting alongside rebels there, or that the sophisticated weaponry being used against Ukrainian government forces is supplied by Moscow.In fact, there's mounting evidence of both.NATO has released compelling satellite imagery -- dismissed by Moscow -- purporting to show Russian forces crossing the Ukrainian border.Last week, the Ukrainian military even captured 10 Russian paratroopers inside Ukraine.The Kremlin said the troops had accidentally crossed from Russia while patrolling the long, porous border that separates the 2 former Soviet states.
But while questions about Russia's tactics remain, its strategy has become more clear: The Kremlin appears to have decided to prevent Ukraine turning West and leaving what Russia regards as its sphere of influence.That means denying Ukraine membership of Western institutions like the European Union, and NATO.What's more, the Kremlin appears determined to achieve its goal regardless of the cost.
International sanctions imposed on Russia so far have damaged the country's economy, sending the Ruble to all-time lows against the US dollar, but have had little impact on Kremlin policy.President Vladimir Putin continues his support of the rebels in Ukraine, even increasing it, according to Western officials.And he continues to enjoy soaring popularity, with approval ratings of well over 85%, according to opinion polls.How to stop Putin and prevent a descent into all-out war, then, is the central question with which Western officials are now grappling.There's talk of further "costs and consequences" -- the words of President Obama -- but there's division on what further sanctions can achieve.Taking the World Cup away from Russia, chosen to host the next event in 2018, is being discussed and may send a powerful symbolic message of isolation to Moscow. But few expect it would force the Kremlin to change course.
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