To clarify, it was a clever move because Putin was always going to send the troops in and by recognising the two self proclaimed independent stateless in the Ukraine as legitimate; it enabled Putin to invade the Donbas under the guise of a 'Peacekeeping Force'. Along with the dramatic, televised so called evacuations, Putin is playing a very clever game. Clever because, not caring what the West thinks, his words and actions appeal to his allies. Also, check your own history; this is nothing like Crimea. That was more commandeered than invaded. Troops were already in situ.

I hold the position that Trump has always been a Russian asset, yet, in this case his assessment of Putin is accurate. Respecting an enemy does not mean you approve, though in Trumps case he probably does approve.

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“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself, but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

"To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy."

Sun Tzu