Despite all denials from Moscow, we knew it was coming: the military action against Ukraine has begun. Last night's announcement that the separatist areas had allegedly requested military support was the final pointer, the pretext required.
Yesterday, the BBC posted a video of Putin giving one of his spy chiefs a dressing down, repeatedly asking him to speak plainly. What stood out for me, however, was the spy chief's Freudian slip that he supported the separatist areas joining the Russian Federation. A bit premature methinks but an indication of true intentions.