From a cyber-friend from Croatia, just posted:

'I can't shake the feeling last couple of days that Putin is also aware how he overreacted over Yanukovych's wish to stay in power in Ukraine. Let's see if I'm right.. Sometimes it does for a short walk like a Satan, sounds like a Satan and acts like a Satan but it isn't Satan - just a little boy in panic over what he considers his toys.

The situation is definitely more complex than it seems at first. Russians f*cked up big time here, but tensions need to be calmed down to start with. Putin was obviously cheated into intervention by Yanukovych, it's just a question how much he is aware of it.

Also, Crimea is a special case. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for united Ukraine, but Crimea could as well end up like Northern Ireland. If UK holds right to keep Northern Ireland separate from Ireland, then Russia can also claim their right over Crimea. The matter of principle if nothing else.

It is hypocritical from Putin to do it, since he is basing his own image on critique of "western imperialism" and then does the same as some of the worse stuff western empires did in previous centuries and far worse than anything western governments did in 20th or 21st century so far. But hypocrisy from Russian governments is nothing new. I've posted recently on my wall cartoons which Stalin's spindoctors published about Yugoslavian president Tito. When Stalin depicts moderate half-way-democratic communist leader as a butcher, you know something is very hilarious.'