But repeating a pattern of behaviour familiar in Ukraine, Georgia and other crises, an unabashed Putin refused to back down. Any US bombing raids would be deemed threatening to Russian military personnel, who would respond accordingly. “They started this hysteria, saying this [hacking] is in Russia’s interests, but this has nothing to do with Russia’s interests,” Putin said. This prospect is fraught with danger, especially since Putin has shown repeatedly that he reacts badly to diktats and threats. UKRAINEDespite the US-orchestrated imposition of international sanctions on Russia, Putin shows no sign of reversing his 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Source: The Guardian October 15, 2016 23:03 UTC