Vladimir Putin: what not to do

Russia desperate for gas pipeline to Europe

Ok so Vladimir Putin annexed part of Ukraine. And in exchange suffered sanctions, isolation, the Saudis dumping oil to bankrupt both fracking US shale drillers and expensive corrupt oil production like Russia. And a drop in oil prices to levels that might bankrupt Russia.  Does this sound like a good deal for Russians?

So you can't have it both ways, Vladimir.  You can't upset them and expect them to sit quiet. You learned nothing from George Bush II's foray into unilateral action. UK doesn't count they've been US lapdogs since the 1970's. He acted without seeing the long game and ruined his reputation, ruined his countries standing, plunged the economy and so on. I thought Russians were smarter than Americans? They don't have to beat you they control your state through your economy. You are a fuel export country. You depend on reliable treaties. You depend on prompt payment. You've given them an excuse to punish your country. Better for them. Worse for your people.

When you piss off your customers, you're going to pay to keep them.  And this depression might last longer than your hold on the Crimea. So acting alone against the West will continue to cost your people. If you were smart, you'd turn 180 degrees and be the best friend Europe ever had. Wedge between them and the Americans.