Western governments and their populations would understandably like this uncomfortable problem with Vladimir Putin to go away

Western governments and their populations would understandably like this uncomfortable problem with Vladimir Putin to go away. It will not, in all probably, particularly if the sanctions are insufficient and therefore ineffective. Putin will feel confident that he has won the last round. Tactically, he is now lowering tensions to avoid further sanctions, while weakening Western resolve. He will also need to steady Russia's economy. The majority of stock market investors are no longer worrying about Russia. They are probably correct in the short to possibly medium term but we know that the former KGB Colonel has territorial ambitions. He is likely to pursue these unless restrained by other influential Russians. Read the note of the day: (VIEW LINK)