AND IN KIEV – AT 8:58 A.M. ET:  The Ukrainian crisis hasn't penetrated the American consciousness yet, and Obama is providing his usual lack of leadership.  But Ukraine is where East meets West, and is a test of Russian influence over former satellites.  From CNN: 

Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- They've given up their ground before -- voluntarily, as a political concession. But that seems to be over.

After the deaths of 25 people in clashes a day earlier, Ukrainian protesters are prepared to stand and fight again Wednesday.

Police want to clear them out of central Kiev. Some of them died trying to stay put Tuesday -- using projectiles and burning barricades to keep security forces at bay at Kiev's Maidan, or Independence Square.

It was the deadliest day in the months-long standoff between the government and opposition leaders.

Thousands of demonstrators have packed Independence Square since November, when President Viktor Yanukovych reversed a decision to sign a trade deal with the European Union and instead turned toward Russia.

COMMENT:  Watch this carefully.  The fact that the confrontation is taking place during the Olympics may not be a coincidence.  Russia's Putin has his prestige at stake in whether he can continue to pressure Ukraine to go in Moscow's direction.  If he loses, his prestige will be diminished. 

February 19, 2014