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There's a widespread but mistaken belief in the Russian "patriotic" blogosphere that Nato's arguments about the active role of Russian troops in Crimea and South East Ukraine are directed at Russia. "Patriotic" bloggers, and it looks like Putin himself, believe that since Nato cannot prove 100% that "зеленые человечки" are Russian special forces, the argument is moot and doesn't impact negotiations between the two parties.
In reality, the discussion about "зеленые человечки" is directed toward third parties that might consider Russia as a potential trade or military partner. The goal is to show that Russia's top officials, including the President, can lie intentionally to achieve short-term political advantages. A further goal is to show that Russia negotiates in bad faith; therefore, any future agreements with her would have to include verification measures and stiff penalties, i.e. the real costs are higher than the market price of goods and services exchanged (e.g. oil and gas).
To summarize, the West doesn't argue with Russia. At this stage, its aim is to reduce Russia's bargaining power. What looks like a clever military ruse to Russian "patriots" is a short-sighted tactic that damages Russia's overall statue in the world community.
In reality, the discussion about "зеленые человечки" is directed toward third parties that might consider Russia as a potential trade or military partner. The goal is to show that Russia's top officials, including the President, can lie intentionally to achieve short-term political advantages. A further goal is to show that Russia negotiates in bad faith; therefore, any future agreements with her would have to include verification measures and stiff penalties, i.e. the real costs are higher than the market price of goods and services exchanged (e.g. oil and gas).
To summarize, the West doesn't argue with Russia. At this stage, its aim is to reduce Russia's bargaining power. What looks like a clever military ruse to Russian "patriots" is a short-sighted tactic that damages Russia's overall statue in the world community.