Contrary to Vladimir Putin’s assurances that “Ukraine is not our business,” Russia has suffered fifteen to
twenty thousand dead and wounded on the Ukrainian field of battle, in addition to
declining living standards, economic
isolation, and the expensive subsidization of occupied Ukrainian territories. As the Kremlin continues
to send troops and weapons into Ukraine for its Novorossiya ventures, Putin
should receive a frosty reception at the G20 meetings in Australia . But the costs of lost
lives and treasure may deter him more than threats of increased sanctions and
other punitive measure by a united front of Western leaders.