In the speech he made some key points:
1. Affirming the Kremlin's right to use all options in Ukraine, but adding "there is no reason yet" to use military force.
He called Ukraine's current leadership illegitimate, and the ouster of the former Ukrainian President an "unconstitutional coup".
Russia also warned that they could reduce their dependency on the US dollar to zero. This in response to the possibility of sanctions against Russia, because of Ukraine. Adding that this would crash the financial system of the United States of America.
Putin also defended his threat to cut Ukraine's gas subsidy, because they did not pay their last bill.
He denied that Russian troops were surrounding Crimea, despite reports otherwise, and dismissed photos of troops with Russian insignia – alleging that those uniforms could be bought from any shop.
But, US President Obama has refuted those claims, saying he doesn't think that Putin is fooling anybody.
Then, just after that speech, US secretary of state, John Kerry did arrive in Ukraine.
This, of course, after the cold war-tastic White House offer of $1 billion in aid to the interim government in Ukraine.
Additionally, the White House pledged to support Ukraine in implementing economic reforms, holding fair elections, combating corruption, and withstanding politically motivated trade actions by Russia, including in the area of energy.
And then, in case you were wondering if the cold war was really back on or not: as part of Russia's military games, they tested intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Saying:
Or put the way it was intended, 'I just want to make sure our missiles work, in case anyone makes me want to use them'.
So, there we go, I guess, kind of a nice change of pace from a chaotic escalation, to a more passive aggressive escalation on both sides. And, we'll see what happens next, unless the US and Russia blow each other up. But who knows really?
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