They wanted their country to be free of Moscow 's interference , and many gave up their lives to fight for an ideal of stronger democratic institutions , rule of law and fair play . Frida Ghitis says Russia looks ready to claim Crimea ; it 's a new Cold War . Crisis shows that U.S. , EU are not feared , but their values first prompted protests . Other lessons ? Putin is more aggressive than Obama and the West has no idea how to deal with him. Ghitis : Putin shows brute force still works , but U.S. , EU may still rise to challenge .
Frida Ghitis says Russia looks ready to claim Crimea ; it 's a new Cold War . Crisis shows that U.S. , EU are not feared , but their values first prompted protests . Other lessons ? Putin is more aggressive than Obama and the West has no idea how to deal with him. Ghitis : Putin shows brute force still works , but U.S. , EU may still rise to challenge .