THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RUSSIA AND SANCTIONS

[warrior1972]

(CNN) -- The United States and its allies are angrier at Russia now over Ukraine, but will they do anything more about it -- especially Europe?

In solemn procession, wooden caskets carrying the remains of those killed in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine -- the majority of the dead were Dutch citizens -- have been arriving in the Netherlands.

In all, the nearly 300 victims hailed from more than 10 countries, leaving nations mourning and politicians debating how to deal with Moscow, whose ties with the Ukrainian rebels suspected of downing the jet on July 17 are being cast in the most negative light.

The tragedy has stirred European officials to look at new action against a country that is crucial to their economies.

What's the layout on sanctions?

On July 16, the U.S. imposed its harshest sanctions yet on Russia over its annexation of Crimea, and what the Obama administration said was Russia's failure to end the Ukraine conflict.

President Barack Obama expanded steps in targeting two banks, Gazprom Bank and VEB; and two energy companies, Novotek and Rosneft. They won't be able to get important financing in the United States.

In addition, the administration froze any U.S. assets and prohibited American business contacts for eight Russian arms companies that make weapons, including small arms, mortars and surface-to-air missiles. One is the Kalashnikov Concern, maker of the AK-47 and other arms.

Earlier this year, the United States and Europe imposed a more limited range of sanctions in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea and the massing of troops along its eastern border with Ukraine. Those included asset freezes and travel bans.

What's changed since then?

MH17 was blown out of the sky.

U.S. officials believe Russia armed the pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine with the rocket system suspected of shooting down the jetliner on July 17. Though, they now say it's likely the rebels didn't know it was a commercial plane at more than 30,000 feet.

Russian leaders deny any responsibility -- even indirectly -- and are pointing fingers at Ukraine and NATO for stirring up trouble in the region.

It's only upped the ante regarding Russia and its relationship with the United States and its European allies.

Aside from the general allied approach to Ukraine, there is more pressure than ever now on Europe to take tougher action because so many of the MH17 passengers were from there, and emotions are fever pitch.



www.cnn.com/2014/07/24/world/europe/russia-sanctions-explainer/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

[Sailor]

"MH17 was blown out of the sky."

IMHO the only way Russia avoids any responsibility in this shootdown, even indirectly, is if the plane was shot down by Ukraine. It appears all 3 players in this "game" of blame have the SA-11/17 SAM system.

It does not appear that the fatal shot came either from Russian territory or from territory controlled by Ukraine (as Russia has claimed.) That leaves territory controlled by the "Rebels." The problem though stems from the fact that even though it's old and no longer cutting edge, the SA-11 is a fairly complex system and requires its crew to receive comprehensive training and not just the simple instructions of the SA-7 shoulder fired missile.

How likely is it that farmers, miners, factory workers or shop keepers would have the knowledge and training? Even if they had military service in their past, how likely that the several men needed for a crew could get together with the divergent knowledge still remembered to form that crew? And where the hell did they get the minimum 3 vehicles necessary (radar, command/control and transporter/launcher) to form a minimum battery? The most likely answer (again IMHO) is Russian involvement.

The article is correct, the likelyhood of Europe doing anything rash or likely to piss off the Kremlin is about as likely as snow falling in July in San Juan. They find themselves in the same situation vis a vis Russia as we were/are OPEC and for the same reason. Piss off Putin and he is likely to turn off the gas and oil, hang the damage to the Russian economy.

[warrior1972]

EXCELLENT points, Old Sailor.

Excellent points, indeed.