WARNING ON UKRAINE – AT 8:42 A.M. ET:  The news moves so quickly that sometimes we forget major stories that are still developing.  The West remains deeply concerned that Russia, with its newfound strength and propensity for chest thumping, may make a move on Ukraine.  From CNN: 

Brussels, Belgium (CNN) -- NATO's military chief warned Wednesday that Russian troops could begin moving on Ukraine within 12 hours of being given an order, amid fears that Moscow could seek to invade its eastern region.

Gen. Philip Breedlove, NATO's supreme allied commander Europe, also told CNN's Christiane Amanpour that with 40,000 troops massed near the border, Russia has all the components necessary to move on Ukraine.

These forces are "supported by fixed-wing aircraft, rotary aircraft, all of the logistics required in order to successfully make an incursion if they needed," he said.

In terms of deterrence, Breedlove said NATO has a good air and sea plan and is working in the next several days on developing a land component to that reassurance.

Ukraine is not a NATO member, but many countries that are members -- such Poland and the Baltic states -- have voiced their increasing anxiety about Russia's recent actions.

COMMENT:  They're also expressing anxiety about American weakness.  They see an American president who clearly does not have a feeling for them, a president cutting defenses in the face of increasing threats, and a president who cannot count a single victory in foreign policy.

After the breakup of the Soviet empire, the nations of Eastern Europe cast their lot with us.  I wonder how long that will continue.

April 3, 2014