This is a bloody serious game he is playing , cynical and determined beyond what flabby American and European strategic thinking can or wants to comprehend . Andrew Kuchins : Jet 's downing must awaken U.S. , West to danger of Russia - Ukraine war . Focus should be on Russia 's ability to defend sovereignty , not Russian sanctions , he says . He says sanctions over Ukraine 's help to rebels will help Putin whip up nationalism . Andrew Kuchins : Diplomacy needed to de-escalate crisis ; Andrew Kuchins wo n't allow himself to lose face .
Andrew Kuchins : Jet 's downing must awaken U.S. , West to danger of Russia - Ukraine war . Focus should be on Russia 's ability to defend sovereignty , not Russian sanctions , he says . He says sanctions over Ukraine 's help to rebels will help Putin whip up nationalism . Andrew Kuchins : Diplomacy needed to de-escalate crisis ; Andrew Kuchins wo n't allow himself to lose face .