... that possibly Putin expected Ukrainian forces to fire on his troops, which would justify his aggression. Ukrainian troops have, thus far, NOT done that, some even going out to confront the Russian troops UNARMED. I think he's a bit stymied. I'm kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop like a "terrorist" attack on Russian troops.

"false flag" operations to justify whatever course of action he wanted to take.

Example: Yanukovich telling all the special police to leave the government buildings unguarded and open (to show protesters looting them, oddly that is what many Putinistas pushed here as a narrative)

After Yanukovich signed the agreement allowing for elections in the next year, Putin refused to sign. Yanukovich left about the same time they started murdering protesters with sniper rifles. (Some did have rubber bullets, but there were plenty that were real)

There were several random attacks throughout Ukraine. They even came up with a special word for it. The public was aware it was Yanukovich trying to stir up trouble.

And now, with Kerry in the country they fire an ICBM. It doesn't take too much imagination to see someone is trying to provoke a reaction.

See elsewhere on DU for confirmation.

If Kerry hadn't been told then that just conveys a communication issue in the US.

The ICBM launch is scheduled annually and we knew about it in advance. It wasn't directed at Ukraine, but ithe border by Kazakhstan. M$M spooking the public for ratings:

Russia test-fires ICBM amid tension over Ukraine

March 4, 2014

National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden called it a "routine test launch of an ICBM."

"As required under the New START Treaty, Russia provided advance notification of this launch to the United States," Hayden said. "Such advance notifications are intended to provide transparency, confidence, and predictability and to help both sides avoid misunderstandings. Russia and the United States routinely flight test their ICBMs and SLBMs."

Russia conducts test launches of its ICBMs fairly frequently and often announces the results, a practice seen as intended to remind the West of Moscow's nuclear might and reassure Russians that President Vladimir Putin will protect them.

Russia and the United States signed the latest of a series of treaties restricting the numbers of ICBMs in 2010, but Moscow has indicated it will agree further cuts in the near future and is taking steps to upgrade its nuclear arsenal...

Picture of 2012 launch at link:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-test-fires-icbm-amid-tension-over-ukraine/

Here's the one from 2011:

Secret Russian missile launch exposed

May 25, 2011



A Russian missile-carrying nuclear submarine reportedly performing a training ICBM launch on Friday was in fact testing the country’s newest ballistic missile.

­On May 20 Russia’s Defense Ministry announced the successful sub-launch of the Sineva ballistic missile, carried out in the Barents Sea by the strategic nuclear missile carrier “Ekaterinburg”.

The RSM-54 Sineva (Azure) missile has been in service in the Russian Navy since 2007. “Ekaterinburg” (project 667 Dolphin) has 16 of them.

It was reported that the missile’s warheads successfully hit targets at the Kura range in the Kamchatka region...

http://rt.com/news/secret-missile-test-successful-liner/

Despite title 'secret' it was not a secret as they announced it before they did it... or shortly thereafter. It's not illegal under the treaties they have with us.

I believe Kerry is talking about other things, not Russia being THAT crazy. We do tests all the time, so does every other nation with the capabilities.

I think things are calming down after Obama's talk with Putin about an international peace keeping force, but the media is going to keep hyping. As well the RWNJs and GOP.

Lindsay Graham (R-loose lips) is comparing Ukraine to - Yes, Benghazi! It never dies...

P. S. Underlined phrase: I hope somebody tells the reporter who wrote the piece as if he'd scored a scoop, that an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) is a missile.

Just sayin'

constitute an attack on Russian troops?

Or would an attack on fraternal voluntary troops suffice?

... if Putin thought he could get away with it.

I think the Ukrainians are pretty smart. They know a confrontation would be bad for them. Marching unarmed with a flag in defiance is the best that they can do right now.

.... And it shows discipline and commitment in the new government, in contrast to image Putin wishes to portray.