Putin allegedly stated he could "take Kiev in two weeks" - and he can do it in a comfy sweater.
Comment: If Putin actually made this statement, and it was not taken out of context, then what he appears to be hinting at is that EU and US leaders should accept the fact that Russia is entirely justified in giving limited support to the separatists in Eastern Ukraine and refrain from their hysterical rantings about "war" and a "Russian invasion of Ukraine" because the situation could obviously be much worse (for them).
Vladimir Putin has told European leaders that his forces could take Kiev in two weeks, if he wanted.
The Russian president reportedly made the comment to the European Commission president during talks on the Ukraine crisis.
Mr Putin told Jose Manuel Barroso: "If I want to, I can take Kiev in two weeks," Italy's La Repubblica newspaper reported, implying this could be the result if the EU stepped up sanctions against Russia.
His comments, relayed by Mr Barroso to colleagues at last weekend's EU summit, emerged as Nato announced it would build a new "spearhead" rapid reaction force of up to 4,000 troops that can be flown into eastern Europe in 48 hours to respond to possible Russian aggression.
The EU's new head of foreign policy, Federica Mogherini, also warned there was no military solution to what is now Europe's biggest crisis in decades.
US moved once whole carrier battle group for dozen americans in trouble somewhere in Africa, but for Russia taking side of 8 mln+ russophone is criminal act. Kiev is under direct control of US. so, it is not anymore independent country and therefore open to any "option on the table" because it represent proxy military threat to RF. Russia and China/Brics are started deconstruction of US/zionist global hegemony. the latter will try to stop that. with war if necessary. so, if Putin said something, he know exactly why he had to said that. he is not radical or fascist. he is not walking the dark side.