Europe's imminent disaster

As we get closer to a disaster in Ukraine that is the biggest threat to peace in Europe in decades (which was the break-up of the former Yugoslavia throughout the 1990s) - and with a real risk of global effects, I'm publishing a preview of what I would include in this Saturday's weekly human rights & news summary, as it may have all changed by then: 

• China's ties have left her caught between Ukraine and Russia (the Embassy of China has urged its citizens to make preparations and take care, but not to leave [Ukraine has told its citizens to flee Russia] ) - which nevertheless may see China as a key advantage, has recognised - and sent its military into - a separatist region in eastern Ukraine (will that satisfy Putin? It is in his interest, but led lead to sanctions - initially only against the separatist areas, but later Germany shut down the gas pipeline from Russia, and Europe, the UK and the USA (even  Australia, which noted the resultant cyber risks) sanctioned Russian banks and individuals - and Kenya has drawn comparisons between Russia's behaviour and that of colonialist powers in Africa) as rumours emerge of doubts within the Russian military over invasion;   the USA is alleging that Russia will commit human rights abuses if it invades;   a cautionary note over the benefits to the Baltic states of NATO's expansion - although that agreement tied BOTH the West AND Russia to respecting Ukraine's borders and sovereignty.  Also, Russian sock puppet #45has shown his true, red colours;
  

IMO, the highlighted comment is particularly significant in view of Putin's attempts to rewrite history.

The initial sanctions are also just a toe in the water: they leave room for more drastic options if Russia does actually invade. 

But in any case, we're back to Cold War days - or a tripartite version of that, given China's increased military and international clout and the withdrawal to an inward focus of so many Western nations. (Asleep at the wheel much? Want to comment about losing the world under your watch neolibs across the world?)